A replication-incompetent PB2-knockout influenza A virus vaccine vector.

Vaccination is the primary form of protection from influenza virus infection. We recently developed a replication-incompetent PB2-knockout (PB2-KO) influenza virus that possesses a reporter gene (the green fluorescent protein gene) in the coding region of the PB2 segment. This virus replicated to high titers in PB2-expressing, but not unmodified, cells, suggesting its potential safety and feasibility as a vaccine.

Replication-incompetent influenza A viruses that stably express a foreign gene.

A biologically contained influenza A virus that stably expresses a foreign gene can be effectively traced, used to generate a novel multivalent vaccine and have its replication easily assessed, all while satisfying safety concerns regarding pathogenicity or reversion. This study generated a PB2-knockout (PB2-KO) influenza virus that harboured the GFP reporter gene in the coding region of its PB2 viral RNA (vRNA). Replication of the PB2-KO virus was restricted to a cell line stably expressing the PB2 protein.

Isothermal single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping and direct PCR from whole blood using a novel whole-blood lysis buffer.

Cell lysis and subsequent release of genomic DNA is an ongoing dilemma for molecular biological techniques. In most cases, technologies such as PCR and other amplification techniques require DNA extraction and purification steps. The Smart Amplification Process Version 2 (SmartAmp2) is an isothermal and integrated amplification technology that eliminates the need for time-consuming sample preparation for the rapid detection of nucleic acids, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), mutations, and other targets.