Scott, P. D. (Paul D.), Meng, Bo, Marriott, Anthony C., Easton, A. J. (Andrew J.) and Dimmock, N. J. (2011) Defective interfering virus protects elderly mice from influenza. Virology Journal, Vol.8 (No.212). doi:10.1186/1743-422X-8-212

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Abstract

Background: We have identified and characterised a defective-interfering (DI) influenza A virus particles containing
a highly deleted segment 1 RNA that has broad-spectrum antiviral activity. In young adult mice it exerts protection
against several different subtypes of influenza A virus (defined here as homologous or genetically compatible
protection) and against a paramyxovirus and an influenza B virus (heterologous or genetically unrelated
protection). Homologous protection is mediated by replication competition between the deleted and full-length
genomes, and heterologous protection occurs through stimulation of innate immunity, especially interferon type I.
Methods: A single dose of the protective DI virus was administered intranasally to elderly mice at -7, -1 and +1
days relative to intranasal challenge with influenza A virus.
Results: A single dose of the DI virus given 1 or 7 days protected elderly mice, reducing a severe, sometimes fatal
disease to a subclinical or mild infection. In contrast, all members of control groups treated with inactivated DI
virus before challenge became extremely ill and most died. Despite the subclinical/mild nature of their infection,
protected mice developed solid immunity to a second infectious challenge.
Conclusions: The defective interfering virus is effective in preventing severe influenza A in elderly mice and may
offer a new approach to protection of the human population.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR355 Virology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Life Sciences (2010- )
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Influenza -- Prevention, Influenza A virus, Antiviral agents
Journal or Publication Title:	Virology Journal
Publisher:	BioMed Central Ltd.
ISSN:	1743-422X
Official Date:	9 May 2011
Dates:	Date Event 9 May 2011 Published
Volume:	Vol.8
Number:	No.212
DOI:	10.1186/1743-422X-8-212
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
Funder:	Wellcome Trust (London, England), Medical Research Council (Great Britain) (MRC)

Data sourced from Thomson Reuters' Web of Knowledge

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