Physicochemical Study of the Influenza a Virus M2 Protein and Aluminum Salt Adjuvant Interaction As a Vaccine Candidate Model

Abstract

Aim: The present study evaluated the structural changes resulting from the interaction between a recombinant influenza A virus M2 protein and aluminum hydroxide adjuvant to investigate the antigen for further immunological studies. Materials & methods: Membrane protein II was produced from the H1N1 subtype of human influenza A virus. The interaction between M2 protein and alum inum hydroxide adjuvant was evaluated by physicochemical techniques including scanning electron microscope, UV-Vis spectra, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Results: Physicochemical methods showed high-level protein adsorption and accessibility to the effective parts of the protein. Conclusion: It was concluded that M2 protein secondary structural perturbations, including the α-helix-to-β-sheet transition, enhanced its mechanical properties toward adsorption.

In Vivo Evaluation of the Adjuvant-Free Influenza Nucleoprotein Vaccine

“…A study has shown that genetic susceptibility induces central nervous system damage following alum-adjuvanted vaccines [31,33,36]. Most of these side effects might be related to altering the protein's epitope folding in contact with aluminum [37]. In addition to the toxic effects of alum on the nervous system, it can increase the level of IgE by increasing the cellular immune responses (Th2) and lead to the allergies in people, especially susceptible children [38].…”