Project Number: 6612-32000-063-12
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2010
End Date: Sep 30, 2013

Objective:
Identify and map highly conserved B-cell epitopes common to surface of H5 and H9 avian influenza (AI) and to test their suitability as homotypic or universal vaccine components.

Approach:
In this study, recombinant epitope mapping will be accomplished using sequence analysis of hemagglutinin genes of H5 and H9 avian influenza virus, and epitopes generated in comprehensive conformer-libraries to be displayed on filamentous bacteriophages. These epitopes will be selected for high evolutionary conservation and designed to elicit cross neutralization against diverse H5 and H9 avian influenza viruses. Most promising H5 and H9 epitopes will be used to immunize chickens and examine for ability to protect from H5 and H9 avian influenza virus challenge, respectively.