In the process of developing vaccines against influenza, generating influenza virus in cultured cells using a minimal number of plasmid constructs has been a long-term challenge. In an effort to reduce costs and save time in constructing these plasmids a new technology has been developed to generate influenza virus from cultured eukaryotic cells using a single plasmid DNA.

Using several plasmids in the previous methods made the process lengthy, expensive and gave only a low yield of recombinant virus. This technology allows for a simpler approach for generating vaccine seeds. Furthermore, it allows for high yield and easier screening of generated influenza virus.

Potential Applications

By generating influenza virus in high titers and by facilitating screening them, this new technology will allow for:

• Fast development of new flu vaccines, particularly with the urgent need to stop pandemics such as the recent A/H1N1 swine flu
• Influenza genetic studies that contribute to the understanding of its evolution and the return of strains long believed to be eradicated

Benefits and Advantages

• Simpler than previous methods
• Generates high titers of recombinant virus
• Screening of recombinant virus is easier

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For more information about the inventor(s) and their research, please see
Dr. Curtiss' directory webpage
Dr. Curtiss' departmental webpage