Antigenic and genetic evolution of equine influenza A (H3N8) virus from 1968 to 2007.

ABSTRACT: Equine influenza virus is a major respiratory pathogen in horses, and outbreaks of disease often lead to substantial disruption to and economic losses for equestrian industries. The hemagglutinin (HA) protein is of key importance in the control of equine influenza because HA is the primary target of the protective immune response and the main component of currently licensed influenza vaccines. However, the influenza virus HA protein changes over time, a process called antigenic drift, and vaccine strains must be updated to remain effective. Antigenic drift is assessed primarily by the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. We have generated HI assay data for equine influenza A (H3N8) viruses isolated between 1968 and 2007 and have used antigenic cartography to quantify antigenic differenc

SUBMITTER: Lewis NS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3209411 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature