H3N2 Hong Kong Recombinant

The H3N2 Influenza A virus, specifically the Hong Kong 4801/2014 strain, is a significant component in the study and prevention of influenza. This strain is part of the broader category of Influenza A viruses, which are known for their ability to cause seasonal flu epidemics and pandemics. The recombinant version of this virus is particularly important for vaccine development and research.

The H3N2 Hong Kong 4801/2014 strain was isolated in 2014 from a human in Hong Kong . This strain has been widely used in respiratory disease research, assay development, and vaccine development due to its relevance in recent influenza outbreaks.

The H3N2 virus is characterized by two major surface proteins: hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). These proteins play crucial roles in the virus’s ability to infect host cells and spread within the host.

• Hemagglutinin (HA): This protein binds to sialic acid-containing receptors on the surface of host cells, facilitating the initial infection process. The recombinant hemagglutinin antigen from the H3N2 Hong Kong 4801/2014 strain is used in vaccines to stimulate an immune response .
• Neuraminidase (NA): This enzyme helps the virus release from the host cell after replication, allowing it to spread to other cells. The recombinant neuraminidase protein from this strain has been studied for its role in the virus’s life cycle and its potential as a target for antiviral drugs .

Recombinant technology involves inserting the gene encoding a specific protein into a host cell, which then produces the protein. This technology is used to produce the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins from the H3N2 Hong Kong 4801/2014 strain. These recombinant proteins are crucial for developing vaccines and studying the virus’s behavior.

The H3N2 Hong Kong 4801/2014 strain is a seasonally-specific component of the influenza vaccine . Vaccines work by exposing the immune system to parts of the virus, such as the hemagglutinin protein, which stimulates the production of antibodies. These antibodies help the immune system recognize and fight the virus if the person is exposed to it in the future.

The recombinant H3N2 Hong Kong 4801/2014 strain is used in various research applications, including:

• Respiratory Disease Research: Studying the virus’s impact on the respiratory system and developing treatments for influenza-related respiratory conditions .
• Assay Development: Creating tests to detect the presence of the virus in clinical samples.
• Antiviral Drug Development: Identifying potential drugs that can inhibit the virus’s replication and spread.