GIBH has successfully generated unique replication-competent recombinant influenza A viruses which carry a reporter gene

GIBH has successfully generated unique replication-competent recombinant influenza A viruses which carry a reporter gene

The latest research conducted by GIBH: Generation of replication-competent recombinant influenza A viruses carrying a reporter gene harbored in the neuraminidase segment was published in the internationally prestigious virological journal: Journal of Virology (84:12075).

In recent year, the prevalence of influenza viruses and the rapid mutating rate pose daunting challenges on human health. Thus, it is urgent to further reveal the pathogenesis of influenza viruses in order to find innovative, safe and effective influenza vaccines and medications.  A research team led by Dr. Lin Chen of State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease at GIBH integrated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), while retaining complete influenza viral genome of replication-competent recombinant influenza A viruses. This was accomplished by transforming NA fragments of PR8 influenza viral genome from non-pathogenic strains, overcoming duplicating defects in influenza viruses which were reported previously by other papers. The replication-competent recombinant influenza A viruses carrying a report gene are capable of passage, expression and stable growth within cells and chick embryos and therefore could simulate natural viruses. Furthermore because of the reliable and simple detection of the report gene, it could be utilized for selecting and evaluating anti-influ drugs and antibodies. And more importantly, the infection, development and distribution of influenza viruses manifested in animal models could be tracked in real time by detecting the expression of the report gene. Given the application described, this work provides a potent instrument for not only the basis research in influenza viruses, but also for research in influenza vaccines, anti-flu viruses drugs and antibodies.

This research is sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Natural Science Foundation of China, the State Key lab of Respiratory Disease and the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province.