Equine influenza virus antigen (EIV antigen) (EIV antigen)

Equine influenza virus (EIV) antigens, primarily the surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), are the principal targets for both prophylactic vaccines and antiviral therapies in horses [1, 15]. Hemagglutinin facilitates viral entry by binding to sialic acid receptors on the host's respiratory epithelial cells and mediating the fusion of the viral envelope with the endosomal membrane [2, 19]. Neuraminidase is an enzyme essential for the release of newly formed viral particles from the host cell surface, preventing their aggregation and allowing the infection to spread [1, 19]. These antigens are highly susceptible to antigenic drift, particularly in the H3N8 subtype, which leads to the emergence of new lineages such as Florida Clade 1 and Clade 2, often necessitating updates to vaccine formulations [13, 18]. Therapeutic strategies include the use of neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir and peramivir to limit viral replication and the administration of vaccines to stimulate a protective immune response [4, 12, 14]. Effective management of EIV is crucial due to its high transmissibility and the significant economic impact of outbreaks on the equine industry [6, 18].

Other names

Equine influenza virus surface proteinsEIV HA and NAEquine influenza virus glycoproteinsEquine influenza virus hemagglutinin and neuraminidase

Vaccines stimulate the production of neutralizing antibodies that bind to viral antigens, primarily hemagglutinin, to block viral entry into host cells [12, 19]. Neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir and peramivir bind to and inhibit the viral neuraminidase enzyme, preventing the release of progeny virions from infected cells and limiting the spread of infection [4, 19].