Physicochemical study of the influenza A virus M2 protein and aluminum salt adjuvant interaction as a vaccine candidate model

Abstract

Aim: The present study evaluated the structural changes resulting from the interaction between a recombinant influenza A virus M2 protein and aluminum hydroxide adjuvant to investigate the antigen for further immunological studies. Materials & methods: Membrane protein II was produced from the H1N1 subtype of human influenza A virus. The interaction between M2 protein and alum inum hydroxide adjuvant was evaluated by physicochemical techniques including scanning electron microscope, UV-Vis spectra, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Results: Physicochemical methods showed high-level protein adsorption and accessibility to the effective parts of the protein. Conclusion: It was concluded that M2 protein secondary structural perturbations, including the α-helix-to-β-sheet transition, enhanced its mechanical properties toward adsorption.