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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
High-throughput Detection Method for Influenza Virus
Published on: February 4, 2012
Immunogenic properties of PR8 influenza virus after treatment with acid protease
Abstract:
Brief exposure of PR8 influenza virus at pH 4.5 to extracts of Aspergillus niger abolished the red cell agglutinating and infectious capacities of the virus without significantly decreasing its antigenicity or immunogenicity. The results of gel electrophoresis indicated that the HA1 portion of the viral hemagglutinin had been degraded by treatment of virus with Aspergillus extract. The immunogenicity in mice of virus that had been exposed to A. niger extract appeared to be very broad, since vaccination of mice with such material gave protection against challenge with strains of influenza A virus representing all major serotypes as well as one type B influenza virus.
Insights
Brief exposure of influenza virus to Aspergillus niger extracts inactivated the virus. This treatment preserved antigenicity and immunogenicity, offering broad protection against diverse influenza strains.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Influenza viruses are significant global health threats.
- Developing effective and broad-spectrum influenza vaccines is crucial.
- Understanding viral inactivation mechanisms is key for vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Aspergillus niger extract on influenza virus infectivity and immunogenicity.
- To determine the mechanism of viral inactivation by Aspergillus niger extract.
- To assess the protective efficacy of treated influenza virus against various influenza strains.
Main Methods:
- Influenza PR8 virus was exposed to Aspergillus niger extract at pH 4.5.
- Red cell agglutinating and infectious capacities were measured.
- Gel electrophoresis analyzed viral hemagglutinin (HA1) degradation.
- Immunogenicity was tested in mice, followed by challenge with different influenza A and B serotypes.
Main Results:
- Aspergillus niger extract treatment abolished viral agglutinating and infectious capacities.
- Viral antigenicity and immunogenicity remained largely intact.
- Gel electrophoresis confirmed degradation of the HA1 portion of hemagglutinin.
- Vaccination with treated virus provided broad protection against multiple influenza A and B strains.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus niger extract effectively inactivates influenza virus while preserving key immunogenic properties.
- Degradation of the HA1 subunit is responsible for the loss of viral infectivity.
- This approach holds potential for developing broadly protective influenza vaccines.
