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Monoclonal antibody against the universal M2 epitope of influenza A virus

Mingfang Feng1, Zhuangchuan Yuan1, Wenjun Xia1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|May 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Researchers developed eight monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the influenza A virus M2 protein. One mAb, 10D9, recognizes a universal M2 epitope across subtypes, aiding influenza virus research and diagnostics.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Protein Chemistry

Background:

  • The M2 protein is crucial for influenza A virus (IAV) replication, involved in uncoating, assembly, and budding.
  • Developing specific antibodies against conserved viral proteins is key for diagnostics and therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To generate and characterize monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the M2 protein of the H3N2 influenza A virus strain.
  • To identify the linear epitopes recognized by these mAbs.
  • To evaluate the potential diagnostic and research applications of a broadly reactive mAb.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of eight mAbs using recombinant M2 protein and M2 peptides as immunogens.
  • Epitope mapping using immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and peptide enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • Testing the reactivity of mAbs against various IAV subtypes and their utility in immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry.

Main Results:

  • Epitope mapping revealed distinct N-terminal and C-terminal epitopes recognized by different mAbs.
  • mAb 10F4 targeted an N-terminal epitope (amino acids 6-12).
  • mAbs 10D9, 1E2, 4B5, and 5G10 targeted C-terminal epitopes (amino acids 62-77).
  • Crucially, mAb 10D9 demonstrated broad reactivity against M2 proteins from H1-H13 IAV subtypes, effectively staining M2 on host cell membranes.

Conclusions:

  • Monoclonal antibodies against the IAV M2 protein were successfully generated, with defined linear epitopes.
  • mAb 10D9 recognizes a conserved M2 epitope, making it a valuable tool for IAV research.
  • This broadly reactive mAb has potential applications in immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry, and the development of universal influenza diagnostics and vaccines.
Keywords:
Influenza A virus (IAV)M2 proteinMonoclonal antibodySubtypesUniversal epitope

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