[Protective activity of Immunovac-VP-4 vaccine against avian influenza virus H5N2 administered by different methods].

AIM: To experimentally assess protective effect of Immunovac-VP-4 vaccine against avian influenza virus H5N2. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Immunization of mice with polycomponent vaccine Immunovac-VP-4 was performed using oral or mucosal route of administration (intranasally, orally, and with combined nasal-oral method). Immunized mice were inoculated intranasally by influenza virus H5N2 adapted for mice. Survival of mice in experimental and control (intact) groups was assessed daily during 14 days. Survival and death rates of mice were determined. Levels of cytokines in sera of mice from both groups were measured by enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS: Half of experimental animals survived after triple subcutaneous administration of vaccine in dose 20 mcg and subsequent intranasal challenge with avian influenza virus H5N2. Single subcutaneous immunization with dose 400 mcg resulted in survival of 80 +/- 12.6% of mice after challenge. Triple intranasal and combined intranasal-oral immunization as well as after triple subcutaneous immunization resulted in survival of half of challenged mice. In control group challenge was lethal for 90 - 100% of mice. Same methods of immunization lead to increase of IL-6, IL-12, IL-15, and IFN-gamma levels.

CONCLUSION: Data about significant protective effect after immunization with Immunovac-VP-4 against avian influenza virus H5N2 were obtained. Immunovac-VP-4 administered by mentioned routes activated nasal-associated lymphoid tissue providing first line defense at entry site of influenza infection, which demonstrates need to further study of this vaccine during development of strategy for non-specific prophylaxis of influenza infection.