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Defective interfering virus protects elderly mice from influenza
Paul D Scott1, Bo Meng, Anthony C Marriott
1School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
Virology Journal
|May 10, 2011
Summary
A novel defective-interfering (DI) influenza virus particle shows broad-spectrum antiviral activity. A single dose protected elderly mice against severe influenza A, suggesting a new protective strategy for humans.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- A defective-interfering (DI) influenza A virus particle with a deleted segment 1 RNA exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral properties.
- This DI virus provides protection against homologous influenza A virus subtypes and heterologous paramyxovirus and influenza B virus infections in mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective efficacy of a DI influenza A virus against influenza A challenge in elderly mice.
- To assess the potential of DI viruses as a novel antiviral strategy for human protection.
Main Methods:
- Elderly mice received a single intranasal dose of the protective DI virus at various time points relative to influenza A virus challenge.
- Control groups were treated with inactivated DI virus.
Main Results:
- A single dose of DI virus administered 1 or 7 days before challenge significantly protected elderly mice, reducing severe disease to mild or subclinical infection.
- Control mice treated with inactivated DI virus experienced severe illness and mortality.
- Protected mice developed robust immunity against a subsequent infectious challenge.
Conclusions:
- The identified defective-interfering virus is effective in preventing severe influenza A in elderly mice.
- This DI virus represents a promising new approach for protecting the human population against influenza.
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