microsurgeon hirudo medicinalis as a natural bioshuttle for spontaneous mass vaccination against influenza a virus

• DOI: 10.5681/bi.2011.026
• Publication Date: 2011-01-01
• Authors: Sajjad Khani; Sara Samadi-Shams; Sina Atashpaz
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Medicine (General); 03 medical and health sciences; R5-920; QH301-705.5; Vaccination; Influenza A Virus; Biology (General); 610 Medical sciences; Medicine; Hirudo medicinalis; 3. Good health

Introduction: Recent report on existence of a stem region of hemagglutinin has arisen new hopes for vaccination of influenza A as it consist of a conserve fusion peptide shared across several influenza subtypes and can be targeted by human immune system. Methods: Given that traditional vaccination based on live attenuated viruses often fails to surpass such viral infection, a great deal of attention has been devoted to develop a safe yet efficient system for vaccination influenza A. We believe that a natural bioshuttle can be recruited for spontaneous mass vaccination. Results: Thus, here, we hypothesize that a bioengineered transgenic Hirudo medicinalis can be considered as an alive bioshuttle for in-situ vaccination against influenza A virus. By introducing the designated gene(s) encoding the target fragment (i.e., stem region of hemagglutinin), this microsurgeon can act as a rapid microproducer of viral proteins for in-house mass vaccination through imparting the necessary proteins such as those, naturally presented in leech's saliva. Conclusion: This peculiar bioshuttle can be easily exploited as a medical modality choice at home resulting in greater patient compliance.<br/>BioImpacts; ISSN 2228-5660<br/>