The applications of live attenuated influenza A virus with modified NS1 gene

Currently, the most effective way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated. Although the traditional inactivated influenza vaccine has good safety and effectiveness, live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) has its own advantages. It could simulate the natural infection process through nasal administration, and can be rapid prepared in the event of influenza pandemic. NS gene is the eighth segment of influenza virus genome, encoding NS1 protein and NEP2 protein, which plays a crucial role in inhibiting host cell interferon production and regulating the nuclear export process of ribonucleoprotein complex in influenza virus replication, and is a commonly used target in the preparation of LAIV. After viral infection, influenza viruses carrying the modified NS1 gene elicited a robust local type I interferon response that effectively curtailed viral replication, thereby resulting in disease attenuation across diverse animal models. The application of reverse genetics technology to manipulate the genome of influenza virus is expected to enhance its efficacy and safety as a vector for combating respiratory infectious diseases, as well as a biological agent for tumor therapy. This article reviews the research progress of live attenuated influenza vaccine targeting NS gene.