AN EXPRESSION SYSTEM BASED ON BACULOVIRUS WAS UTILIZED IN ORDER TO EXPRESS THE HEMAGGLUTININ HA1 SUBMIT OF THE INFLUENZA VIRUS

Background: Respiratory diseases in horses are predominantly caused by equine influenza virus (EIV) infection, with vaccination being the primary preventive measure using inactivated whole virus vaccines produced mainly in embryonated hen eggs. Objective: This study explores an alternative approach to traditional egg-based vaccine production by investigating the feasibility of using a baculovirus expression system for recombinant horse influenza hemagglutinin production. Methods: A baculovirus expression vector was employed to clone and express the hemagglutinin ectodomain (HA1 subunit). Expression was confirmed using SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting, with viral protein yield quantified at 20 μg/ml from recombinant baculovirus-infected cells. Immunological response was evaluated in BALB/c mice immunized with recombinant HA1. Results: Recombinant hemagglutinin produced in baculovirus-infected cells elicited a robust antibody response in mice, indicating its potential as an antigen for subunit vaccinations and diagnostic applications. Conclusion: Baculovirus-mediated expression of recombinant horse influenza hemagglutinin shows promise as an effective alternative to egg-based vaccine production, offering potential advantages such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and reduced dependency on egg supply.