Chimeric vaccine antigens against the avian influenza virus

摘要

The present invention describes chimeric vaccine antigens against Avian Influenza virus (AI). Such vaccine antigens are based on virus subunits that are coupled to protein co-stimulatory molecules that enhance both cellular and humoral arms of the immune response. Chimeric antigens can be produced on expression systems that guarantee a correct tridimensional folding of chimeric molecules constituting the basis of the present invention. The vaccine compositions containing such antigens induce an early and strong immune response on vaccinated birds and mammalians, stimulating high titers of antibodies inhibitory of the hemagglutination and a strong cellular response specific against the virus antigen. The chimeric antigens, as well as the resulting vaccine compositions are applicable to human and animal health, as vaccines for preventive use.