Sara Samadi-Shams1, Sina Atashpaz, Sajjad Khani. 1. Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ; Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IFOM-IEO Campus, Milan, Italy.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Recent report on existence of a stem region of hemagglutinin has arisen new hopes for vaccination of influenza A as it consist of a conserve fusion peptide shared across several influenza subtypes and can be targeted by human immune system. METHODS: Given that traditional vaccination based on live attenuated viruses often fails to surpass such viral infection, a great deal of attention has been devoted to develop a safe yet efficient system for vaccination influenza A. We believe that a natural bioshuttle can be recruited for spontaneous mass vaccination. RESULTS: Thus, here, we hypothesize that a bioengineered transgenic Hirudo medicinalis can be considered as an alive bioshuttle for in-situ vaccination against influenza A virus. By introducing the designated gene(s) encoding the target fragment (i.e., stem region of hemagglutinin), this microsurgeon can act as a rapid microproducer of viral proteins for in-house mass vaccination through imparting the necessary proteins such as those, naturally presented in leech's saliva. CONCLUSION: This peculiar bioshuttle can be easily exploited as a medical modality choice at home resulting in greater patient compliance.
INTRODUCTION: Recent report on existence of a stem region of hemagglutinin has arisen new hopes for vaccination of influenza A as it consist of a conserve fusion peptide shared across several influenza subtypes and can be targeted by human immune system. METHODS: Given that traditional vaccination based on live attenuated viruses often fails to surpass such viral infection, a great deal of attention has been devoted to develop a safe yet efficient system for vaccination influenza A. We believe that a natural bioshuttle can be recruited for spontaneous mass vaccination. RESULTS: Thus, here, we hypothesize that a bioengineered transgenic Hirudo medicinalis can be considered as an alive bioshuttle for in-situ vaccination against influenza A virus. By introducing the designated gene(s) encoding the target fragment (i.e., stem region of hemagglutinin), this microsurgeon can act as a rapid microproducer of viral proteins for in-house mass vaccination through imparting the necessary proteins such as those, naturally presented in leech's saliva. CONCLUSION: This peculiar bioshuttle can be easily exploited as a medical modality choice at home resulting in greater patient compliance.
Entities:
Keywords:
Hirudo medicinalis; Influenza A Virus; Vaccination
Authors: Niren Murthy; Mingcheng Xu; Stephany Schuck; Jun Kunisawa; Nilabh Shastri; Jean M J Fréchet Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A Date: 2003-04-18 Impact factor: 11.205