Influenza viruses mutate frequently, necessitating constant updates of vaccine viruses. To establish experimental approaches that may complement the current vaccine strain selection process, we selected antigenic variants from human H1N1 and H3N2 influenza virus libraries possessing random mutations in the globular head of the haemagglutinin protein (which includes the antigenic sites) by incubating them with human and/or ferret convalescent sera to human H1N1 and H3N2 viruses. We also selected antigenic escape variants from human viruses treated with convalescent sera and from mice that had been previously immunized against human influenza viruses. Our pilot studies with past influenza viruses identified escape mutants that were antigenically similar to variants that emerged in nature, establishing the feasibility of our approach. Our studies with contemporary human influenza viruses identified escape mutants before they caused an epidemic in 2014–2015. This approach may aid in the prediction of potential antigenic escape variants and the selection of future vaccine candidates before they become widespread in nature. Supplementary information The online version of this article (doi:10.1038/nmicrobiol.2016.58) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. Antigenic variants from human H1N1 and H3N2 influenza virus libraries possessing random mutations in the haemagglutinin protein, selected by incubation with human and/or ferret convalescent sera, identify escape variants similar to those that have emerged in nature. Supplementary information The online version of this article (doi:10.1038/nmicrobiol.2016.58) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
【저자키워드】 Vaccines, Influenza virus, immune evasion,