GFP-expressing influenza A virus for evaluation of the efficacy of antiviral agents

J Microbiol. 2012 Apr;50(2):359-62. doi: 10.1007/s12275-012-2163-9. Epub 2012 Apr 27.

Abstract

To address its value as a screening tool in the development of antiviral drugs, a recombinant influenza virus expressing green fluorescent protein (rPR8-GFP virus) was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The inhibition of viral growth by a neuraminidase inhibitor in the cells or lower respiratory tracts of mice could be visualized by the level of fluorescence. In addition, the rPR8-GFP virus exhibited high pathogenicity in mice. Taken together, these results suggest that the rPR8-GFP virus can be a useful tool for the rapid identification of antiviral drugs active against influenza viruses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / methods*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / drug effects*
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / pathogenicity
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / physiology
  • Influenza A virus / drug effects
  • Influenza A virus / genetics
  • Influenza A virus / pathogenicity
  • Influenza A virus / physiology
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy
  • Influenza, Human / virology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Virulence

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins