Fc receptor is not required for inducing antibodies but plays a critical role in conferring protection after influenza M2 vaccination. Issue 2 (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Yu‐Na; Lee, Young‐Tae; Kim, Min‐Chul; Hwang, Hye Suk; Lee, Jong Seok; Kim, Ki‐Hye; Kang, Sang‐Moo
• Is Part Of: Immunology. Volume 143:Issue 2(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 300
• Page End: 309
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals
• DOI: 10.1111/imm.12310
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0019-2805

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="imm12310-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <p>The ectodomain of matrix protein 2 (M2e) of influenza virus is considered a rational target for a universal influenza A vaccine. To better understand M2e immune‐mediated protection, Fc receptor common <italic>γ</italic> chain deficient (FcR<italic>γ</italic><sup>−/−</sup>) and wild‐type mice were immunized with a tandem repeat of M2e presented on virus‐like particles (M2e5x VLP). Levels of M2e‐specific antibodies that were induced in FcR<italic>γ</italic><sup>−/−</sup> mice after immunization with M2e5x VLP were similar to those in wild‐type mice. In addition, M2e antibodies induced in FcR<italic>γ</italic><sup>−/−</sup> mice were found to be equally protective as those induced in wild‐type mice. However, M2e5x VLP‐immunized FcR<italic>γ</italic><sup>−/−</sup> mice were not well protected, as shown by severe weight loss, higher lung viral titres and interleukin‐6 inflammatory cytokine production upon influenza virus challenge compared with M2e5x VLP‐immunized wild‐type mice. Importantly, FcR<italic>γ</italic><sup>−/−</sup> mice that were immunized with inactivated influenza virus induced haemagglutination inhibition activity and were well protected without a significant weight loss. Interestingly, interferon‐<italic>γ</italic>‐producing CD4 T and CD8 T cells were found to be prevalent in lungs from M2e5x VLP‐immunized FcR<italic>γ</italic><sup>−/−</sup> mice, which appeared to be correlated with a faster recovery after infection. These results indicate that Fc receptors play a primary role in conferring M2e‐specific antibody‐mediated protection whereas T cells may contribute to the recovery at later stages of infection.</p> </abstract>