| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2402732 | Vaccine | 2012 | 8 Pages |
Ducks have played an important role in the emergence of H5N1 subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and the development of an effective vaccine against HPAI in ducks is a top priority. It has been shown that a recombinant fowlpox virus (FPV)-vectored vaccine can provide protection against HPAI in ducks. In this study, a recombinant fowlpox virus (rFPV-AIH5AIL6) coexpressing the haemagglutinin (HA) gene of the H5N1 subtype of the avian influenza virus (AIV) and chicken interleukin 6 gene was constructed and tested in Gaoyou and cherry valley ducks to evaluate the immune response in ducks. These animal studies demonstrated that rFPV-AIH5AIL6 induced a higher anti-AIV HI antibody response, an enhanced lymphocyte proliferation response, an elevated immune protection, and a reduction in virus shedding compared to a recombinant fowlpox virus expressing the HA gene alone (rFPV-SYHA). These data indicate that rFPV-AIH5AIL6 may be a potential vaccine against the H5 subtype of avian influenza in ducks and chicken interleukin 6 may be an effective adjuvant for increasing the immunogenicity of FPV-vectored AIV vaccines in ducks.
► A recombinant fowlpox virus coexpressing AIV HA and chicken IL-6 genes was generated. ► The chicken IL-6 expressed in the recombinant fowlpox virus was functional in duck. ► The recombinant fowlpox virus was a potential vaccine against the H5 AI in ducks. ► Chicken IL-6 was an effective adjuvant for improving the immunogenicity of vaccine.
