Invariant Chain- Influenza A Fusion Adenovirus Vaccine Using M1 Gene

During primary immune responses, dendritic cells (DC) are the principal antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that initiate adaptive immune responses. DCs present pathogenic antigens (such as virus, bacterium and tumour) to induce CD4 and CD8 T cell responses via MHC-I and MHC-II pathways respectively. Recently, our lab has discovered that CD74 molecules not only promote MHC-II but also MHC I-antigen presentation. The MHC I-presentation is essential for CD8+ T cell mediated responses against viruses, tumours, self-antigens and allografts. This study is based on the discovery that CD74 mediates trafficking of MHC-I from the endoplasmic reticulum of DCs to endolysosomal compartments for loading with peptides and therefore CD74 has a critical function in DC presentation for priming MHC-I mediated CTL responses. This study chooses conserved influenza matrix 1 protein (M1) as antigen further CD74-antigen fusion constructs will be produced to further promote immune responses against influenza virus. This proposal will provide a potential influenza vaccine for BioMmune Technologies Inc.

Faculty Supervisor:

Wilfred Jefferies

Student:

Partner:

Pascal Biosciences Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: