中文 |

Research Progress

Scientists Obtain Clinical Trial Approval of Recombinant Chicken α-interferon Biological Products

Nov 16, 2017

Avian influenza is the kind of avian infection and/or disease syndrome caused by influenza A virus. It is characterized by subclinical infection and respiratory diseases, and associated with secondary infection of bacteria, thereby laying down or causing acute fatal diseases. Currently, vaccines are mainly used to prevent such diseases. However, immune failure occurs frequently due to the variation of influenza strains. 

In view of the fact of disable antiviral drugs and antibiotics, interferon and other protein preparations have been considered as the research focus in the prevention and treatment of avian influenza and other viral diseases. Interferon is the most important cellular regulatory factor in the body. It plays an important role in the early stage of viral infection by improving the immune function of the organism and inducing the body to produce a variety of antiviral proteins. Compared with traditional drugs, interferon has the advantages of no drug resistance, small side effects, quick effect and no residue. 

On September 30, 2017, Prof. LIU Wenjun’s lab at the Institute of Microbiology of Chinese Academy of Sciences made a joint declaration with Qingdao Vland Biological Products Co., Ltd., Qingdao National Animal Protection Engineering Technology Research Center Co., Ltd., etc., and have received the clinical approval (Document No.: 2017068). The clinical preparation was that the recombinant plasmid of chicken α-interferon gene was expressed by fermentation into Escherichia coli, and the recombinant protein was taken by drinking water, which had good clinical effect on the prevention and treatment of H9 subtype avian influenza infection. 

Since its establishment in 2004, Prof. LIU’s lab has focused on basic scientific and industrial research. The core direction of the laboratory is virus infection research and biological product development, which mainly studies new vaccines, antiviral proteins and antibody drugs.

According to the development trend of green culture, Prof. LIU’s lab has used interferon as a potential clinical product and as the main research content since 2007. A great deal of research work has been done on the basis of many kinds of animal interferon from basic to technological aspects (Journal of Virology, 2016; Protein & Cell, 2013; PLoS One, 2013; Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research, 2011, 2010, 2007).

The rapid development of poultry farming and large scale breeding model bring challenges to the prevention and control of infectious diseases. In particular, the epidemic and outbreak of some viral infectious diseases, especially avian influenza, result in serious economic losses. New biological products for animals (hereinafter referred to as new products) aim for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of animal diseases such as livestock and poultry. 

The research was supported by the National Key Technology Support Program, the National Key R&D Program of China and the Enterprise Horizontal Cooperation Project. 

Contact Us
  • 86-10-68597521 (day)

    86-10-68597289 (night)

  • 86-10-68511095 (day)

    86-10-68512458 (night)

  • cas_en@cas.cn

  • 52 Sanlihe Rd., Xicheng District,

    Beijing, China (100864)

Copyright © 2002 - Chinese Academy of Sciences