Antibodies elicited by Newcastle disease virus-vectored H7N9 avian influenza vaccine are functional in activating the complement system

H7N9 subtype avian influenza virus poses a great challenge for poultry industry.Newcastle disease virus(NDV)-vectored H7N9 avian influenza vaccines(NDV_(vec)H7N9)are effective in disease control because they are protective and allow mass administration.Of note,these vaccines elicit undetectable H7N9-specific hemagglutination-inhibition(HI)but high IgG antibodies in chickens.However,the molecular basis and protective mechanism underlying this particular antibody immunity remain unclear.Herein,immunization with an NDV_(vec)H7N9 induced low anti-H7N9 HI and virus neutralization titers but high levels of hemagglutinin(HA)-binding IgG antibodies in chickens.Three residues(S150,G151 and S152)in HA of H7N9 virus were identified as the dominant epitopes recognized by the NDV_(vec)H7N9 immune serum.Passively transferred NDV_(vec)H7N9 immune serum conferred complete protection against H7N9 virus infection in chickens.The NDV_(vec)H7N9 immune serum can mediate a potent lysis of HA-expressing and H7N9 virus-infected cells and significantly suppress H7N9 virus infectivity.These activities of the serum were significantly impaired after heat-inactivation or treatment with complement inhibitor,suggesting the engagement of the complement system.Moreover,mutations in the 150-SGS-152 sites in HA resulted in significant reductions in cell lysis and virus neutralization mediated by the NDV_(vec)H7N9 immune serum,indicating the requirement of antibody-antigen binding for complement activity.Therefore,antibodies induced by the NDV_(vec)H7N9 can activate antibody-dependent complement-mediated lysis of H7N9 virus-infected cells and complement-mediated neutralization of H7N9 virus.Our findings unveiled a novel role of the complement in protection conferred by the NDV_(vec)H7N9,highlighting a potential benefit of engaging the complement system in H7N9 vaccine design.

Genetic and biological properties of H9N2 avian influenza viruses isolated in central China from2020 to 2022

The H9N2 subtype of avian influenza virus(AIV)is widely prevalent in poultry and wild birds globally,and has become the predominant subtype circulating in poultry in China.The H9N2 AIV can directly or indirectly(by serving as a"donor virus")infect humans,posing a significant threat to public health.Currently,there is a lack of in-depth research on the prevalence of H9N2 viruses in Shanxi Province,central China.In this study,we isolated 14 H9N2 AIVs from October 2020 to April 2022 in Shanxi Province,and genetic analysis revealed that these viruses belonged to 7 different genotypes.Our study on animals revealed that the H9N2 strains we identified displayed high transmission efficiency among chicken populations,and exhibited diverse replication abilities within these birds.These viruses could replicate efficiently in the lungs of mice,with one strain also demonstrating the capacity to reproduce in organs like the brain and kidneys.At the cellular level,the replication ability of different H9N2 strains was evaluated using plaque formation assays and multi-step growth curve assays,revealing significant differences in the replication and proliferation efficiency of the various H9N2 viruses at the cellular level.The antigenicity analysis suggested that these isolates could be classified into 2 separate antigenic clusters.Our research provides crucial data to help understand the prevalence and biological characteristics of H9N2 AIVs in central China.It also highlights the necessity of enhancing the surveillance of H9N2 AIVs.

2014-2018年新疆人感染H7N9禽流感分子流行病学特征分析

目的分析2014-2018年新疆14例人感染H7N9禽流感病例的分子流行病学特征,为防控及治疗提供科学依据。方法提取核酸后采用高通量基因测序技术获得基因组序列,并用生物信息学分析软件对基因组序列进行同源性分析、进化分析、变异位点分析及同源建模。结果14例人感染H7N9禽流感病毒HA基因核苷酸同源性介于97.39%~100%,氨基酸同源性介于98.38%~100%;NA基因核苷酸同源性介于97.73%~100%,氨基酸同源性介于97.73%~100%,均属于长江三角洲谱系和低致病性禽流感病毒,分属于2个亚分支,与A/Hunan/02650/2016疫苗株最为接近。HA蛋白G186V、T160A全部发生了变异,Q226L中13株病毒发生了变异,NA蛋白4个关键的神经氨酸酶抑制剂耐药位点全部未发生变异。M2蛋白S31N和V27A位点全部发生了突变,PB1蛋白T368V位点全部发生了突变,PA蛋白位点K356R全部发生了突变。结论新疆H7N9禽流感病毒具有双受体结合性,对金刚烷胺类药物耐药,对神经氨酸酶抑制剂敏感,可在疾病发生早期及时使用神经氨酸酶抑制剂。需加强禽流感病毒基因组变化的监测,做好基因突变的应对措施。

抗H7N9流感病毒的单克隆抗体与胃组织的交叉反应研究

目的筛选鉴定与胃组织交叉反应的抗H7N9流感病毒的单克隆抗体,初步探讨流感病毒感染会引发肠道相关疾病的可能致病机制。方法利用H7N9流感病毒制备了大量的单克隆抗体,对制备的单克隆抗体运用ELISA方法进行亚型和效价测定,免疫组化对制备的单克隆抗体与组织的反应性进行筛选,巢式PCR分子生物学技术克隆单克隆抗体轻重链可变区序列。结果制备的单克隆抗体H7N9-71和H7N9-78均能与H7N9抗原特异性结合,抗体效价达1∶10~5,免疫组化结果表明H7N9-71、H7N9-78与人的胃组织能发生特异性反应,进一步的研究发现这两株单抗与小鼠胃组织能特异性结合。轻重链可变区序列结果证实二者为两株不同的单抗。结论H7N9流感病毒可能与胃组织之间存在异嗜性抗原,提示流感病毒感染可能与胃肠道疾病的发生存在某些关联。

Risk assessment on the epidemics of human infection with a novel avian influenza A (H7N9) virus in Jiangsu Province, China

A novel avian influenza A （H7N9） virus was discovered in February 2013 in China and has resulted in more than 100 comfirmed human infections including 26 fatal cases as of May 2, 2013. The situation raises many ur- gent questions and global public health concerns. In this study, epidemiologic characteristics of infected human cases in Jiangsu province were analyzed and risk assessment was undertaken based on the information available. Briefly, it is highly unlikely that a pandemic of human infection with avian influenza A （HTN9） virus will happen in Jiangsu Province in the near future. Iia the end, some measures are recommended to prevent the situation from becoming worse.

Characterization of Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus Prevalence in Humans and Poultry in Huai′an,China：Molecular Epidemiology,Phylogenetic,and Dynamics Analyses

Objective To trace the source of human H7N9 cases in Huai＇an and elucidate the genetic characterization of Huai＇an strains associated with both humans and birds in live poultry market.Methods An enhanced surveillance was implemented when the first human H7N9 case was confirmed in Huai＇an.Clinical specimens,cloacal swabs,and fecal samples were collected and screened by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR） for H7N9 virus.The positive samples were subjected to further RT-PCR and genome sequencing.The phylodynamic patterns of H7N9 virus within and separated from Huai＇an and evolutionary dynamics of the virus were analyzed.Results Six patients with H7N9 infection were previously exposed to live poultry market and presented symptoms such as fever（〉38.0 °C） and headaches.Results of this study support the hypothesis that live poultry markets were the source of human H7N9 exposure.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all novel H7N9 viruses,including Huai＇an strains,could be classified into two distinct clades,A and B.Additionally,the diversified H7N9 virus circulated in live poultry markets in Huai＇an.Interestingly,the common ancestors of the Huai＇an H7N9 virus existed in January 2012.The mean nucleotide substitution rates for each gene segment of the H7N9 virus were（3.09-7.26）×10-3 substitutions/site per year（95% HPD：1.72×10-3 to 1.16×10-2）.Conclusion Overall,the source of exposure of human H7N9 cases in Huai＇an was live poultry market,and our study highlights the presence of divergent genetic lineage of H7N9 virus in both humans and poultry specimens in Huai＇an.

表达H7N9亚型禽流感病毒HA蛋白的重组血清4型禽腺病毒构建及其免疫效果评估

为构建H7N9亚型禽流感病毒和血清4型禽腺病毒(FAdV-4)的二联疫苗候选株,试验通过CRISPR/Cas9和Cre-Loxp系统,以课题组前期构建的表达EGFP蛋白的重组病毒FAdV4-EGFP为载体,构建能够稳定表达H7N9亚型禽流感病毒血凝素(HA)蛋白的重组血清4型腺病毒;并通过PCR、间接免疫荧光试验(IFA)、Westernblot试验以及SPF鸡保护性试验等方法,探究此重组病毒体外生物学特性并评估其为鸡提供的保护力。结果显示:研究成功构建能稳定表达H7N9禽流感亚型病毒HA蛋白的重组血清4型腺病毒,命名为FAdV4-H7;FAdV4-H7能在LMH细胞高效复制,并能在LMH细胞传代15次后仍能稳定表达HA蛋白;FAdV4-H7不仅高度致弱,而且能诱导机体产生高滴度针对H7N9亚型禽流感病毒HI抗体和FAdV-4的中和抗体,能为SPF鸡提供足够保护来抵抗致死性FAdV-4感染。研究表明,试验成功构建了重组病毒FAdV4-H7,为H7N9亚型禽流感病毒和FAdV-4的联防联控提供了二联苗候选疫苗株。

Complete Genome Sequencing and Genetic Variation Analysis of Two H9N2 Subtype Avian Influenza Virus Strains

[Objective] The study aimed to investigate the genetic variation characters of entire sequences between two H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus strains and other reference strains.[Method] The entire sequences of 8 genes were obtained by using RT-PCR,and these sequences were analyzed with that of six H9N2 subtype avian influenza isolates in homology comparison and genetic evolution relation.[Result] The results showed that the nucleotide sequence of entire gene of the strain shared 91.1%-95.4% homology with other seven reference strains,and PG08 shared the highest homology 91.3% with C/BJ/1/94;ZD06 shared the highest homology 92.3% with D/HK/Y280/97.HA cleavage sites of two H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus isolated strains were PARSSR/GLF,typical of mildly pathogenic avian influenza virus.[Conclusion] Phylogenetic tree for entire gene of eight strains showed that the genetic relationship was the closest between ZD06 and C/Pak/2/99 strains,which belonged to the Eurasian lineage;PG08 shared the highest homology 91.3% with ZD06,it may be the product of gene rearrangements of other sub-lines.

Sequence Analysis of HA Genes from Three H9N2 Subtype Avian Influenza Viruses

[ Objective] The study aimed to understand the genetic characters of H9N2 subtype avian influenza viruses isolated in Belling area. [ Method] HA genes of three H9N2 subtype avian influenza viruses A/Chicken/Beijing/xu/00, A/Chicken/Beijing/bei/00 and A/Chicken/Beijing/ liu/00 were amplified by RT-PCR and then sequenced. [ Result] The results of phylogenetic analysis showed that A/Chicken/Beijing/xu/00, A/ Chicken/Beijing/bei/00 and A/Chicken/Beijing/liu/00 shared the nucleotide homologies of 84.8% （ Dk/HK/Y439/97 ） -98.0% （ Ck/GX17/00 ）, 85.1% （Dk/HK/Y439/97） - 99.1% （ Ck/GXl 7/00）, 90.7% （ Ck/BJ/3/01 ） - 99.1% （Ck/GX17/00） with the isolates from Hongkong and other are- as of Chinese Mainland respectively. At the same time, the analysis of amino acid indicated that the three isolates belonged to low pathogenic H9N2 isolates of avian origin. The 226^th amino acid of them were L （ Leu）, suggesting their high binding affinity to human cells. There were seven glyco- sylation sites in HA protein, five from HA1 and two from HA2. [ Cenclusien] By analysis at molecular level, it could be concluded that A/Chicken/ Beijing/xu/00, A/Chicken/Beijing/bei/00 and A/Chicken/Beijing/liu/00 were low pathogenic H9N2 isolates of avian origin.

中国H7N9禽流感遗传演化趋势及防控措施

H7N9禽流感病毒(AIV)感染人类的情况最先出现在中国,而且具有很高的突变性。2013年首次在人类身上分离出的是低致病性H7N9禽流感病毒,发展到2017年,已经出现高致病性H7N9禽流感病毒,严重威胁动物和人类的生命健康安全,同时,还会对社会的稳定和经济发展有一定的影响。综述通过NCBI(National Center for Biotechnology Information)和GISAID数据库收集了中国国内2001~2021年共4641条有关H7N9的数据,拟通过流行病学的角度来说明H7N9禽流感病毒在中国的发生、发展以及在时间、空间和种群间的分布情况,同时总结中国对H7N9所引起的大流行所采取的防控措施,以期为后续的疫情防控措施规划提供依据。

2株2023年禽源H7N9亚型禽流感病毒的分离鉴定及遗传进化分析

为了解H7N9亚型禽流感病毒(Avian influenza virus,AIV)的遗传进化特点,探究我国H7N9亚型AIV的流行特征,试验对2023年采集自四川、河北两地活禽市场禽类咽拭子及泄殖腔拭子进行病原分离鉴定,并对分离株进行全基因组序列测定,进一步构建进化树并分析其遗传演化情况和分子特征。结果显示:共分离2株H7N9亚型AIV,其遗传距离较近,HA基因均属于YRD-B分支;2株AIV的HA蛋白裂解位点均含有连续碱性氨基酸,具有高致病性的分子特征;PB2、HA和NA蛋白均具有哺乳动物适应性突变,其中HA蛋白第226位受体结合位点均由谷氨酰胺(Q)突变为亮氨酸(L),使其能够识别人流感病毒唾液酸受体,并且HA蛋白A27S、I96V、V143T、A169T、I187V和D457N抗原位点发生突变;2株AIV虽均能与Re-4和H7N9rHN7903灭活疫苗免疫血清产生交叉血凝抑制反应,但HI抗体效价较低。研究表明,从活禽市场分离到2株H7N9亚型AIV,其对家禽具有高致病性,且抗原性发生变化。

Sequence Comparison and Analysis of HA Gene of Four H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Isolates

[ Objective] To determine the HA gene sequences of four H9N2 Avian influenza virus （AIV） strains and carry out comparative analysis so as to understand the difference and variation pattern of each strain from the angle of molecular biology and to know the distribution and epidemic law of H9N2 AIV. [Method] One pair of primers was designed referring to HA gene sequences of H9N2 AIV. The HA genes of A/Chicken/Hebei/WD/98 （H9N2; WD98 for short）, A/Chicken/Hebei/ZD/04 （H9N2; ZD04 for short））, A/Chicken/Beijing/MY/06 （H9N2; MY06 for short） ）, and A/Chicken/Beijing/PG/08 （H9N2; PG08 for short）） were amplified, cloned and sequenced. Then the HA gene sequences of these strains were compared with that of 10 H9N2 AIV stains in GenBank. [Result] The ORF of HA genes of the four strains was 1 683 bp in size, encoding 516 amino acids. The HA gene sequences of the four strains, WD98, MY06, PG08, and ZD04, were 82.6% -95.1%, 83.0% -99.0%, 82.7% -95.5%, and 81.3% -95.7% homologous to that of the 10 H9N2 AIV stains, respectively. And the homology of amino acid was respectively 86.6% -96.3%, 86.6% -97.9%, 87.0% -97.1%, and 86.9% -97.3%. [ Conclusion] The HA gene has greatly high homology among different strains.

Multiple RT-PCR Detection of H5,H7,and H9 Subtype Avian Influenza Viruses and Newcastle Disease Virus

Objective:This paper focuses on the multiple detection RT-PCR technology of H5,H7,AND H9 subtype avian influenza viruses and Newcastle disease virus,and points out the specific detection methods and detection procedures of avian influenza and Newcastle disease virus.Methods:The genes of Newcastle disease virus carrying out the HA gene sequence of H5,H7 and H9 subtype AIV in GenBank were used to establish a strategy for simultaneous detection of three subtypes of avian influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus.Results:The results showed that the program can detect and distinguish H5,H7 and H9 subtype avian influenza viruses and Newcastle disease virus at one time.Conclusion:Multiple RT-PCR detection method has high detection sensitivity and can detect and determine different subtypes of avian influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus quickly and accurately,therefore,it has a crucial role in the detection and control of avian influenza H5,H7 and H9 subtypes and Newcastle disease.

In silico evaluation of kuwanon compounds as antiviral agents targeting H9N2 influenza virus

Background:The threat of avian influenza a subtype avian influenza A(H9N2)virus remains a significant concern,necessitating the exploration of novel antiviral agents.This study employs network pharmacology and computational analysis to investigate the potential of kuwanons,a natural compounds against H9N2 influenza virus.Methods:Leveraging comprehensive databases and bioinformatics tools,we elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Kuwanons pharmacological effects against H9N2 influenza virus.Network pharmacology identifies H9N2 influenza virus targets and compounds through integrated protein-protein interaction and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses.Molecular docking studies were performed to assess the binding affinities and structural interactions of Kuwanon analogues with key targets,shedding light on their potential inhibitory effects on viral replication and entry.Results:Compound-target network analysis revealed complex interactions(120 nodes,163 edges),with significant interactions and an average node degree of 2.72.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed pathways such as Influenza A,Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway in H9N2 influenza virus.Molecular docking studies revealed that the binding free energy for the docked ligands ranged between-5.2 and-9.4 kcal/mol for the human interferon-beta crystal structure(IFNB1,Protein Data Bank:1AU1)and-5.4 and-9.6 kcal/mol for Interleukin-6(IL-6,PDB:4CNI).Conclusion:Our findings suggest that kuwanon exhibits promising antiviral activity against H9N2 influenza virus by targeting specific viral proteins,highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent in combating avian influenza infections.

Study on Piezoelectric Immunosensor for the Detection of H9-subtype Avian Influenza Virus

[Objective] The aim is to develop the piezoelectric immunosensor to detect H9-subtype avian influenza virus（AIV）.[Method] The immunosensor chip was constructed by self-assembling mercaptopmpionic acid（MPA） to be monolayer on the silver-coated electrode of quartz crystal and coupling the monoclonal antibody to H9 subtype AIV with N-ethy-N＇-（3-dimethyl aminopropyl）carbodiimide hydrochloride（EDC） and N-hydroxysuccinimide（NHS）.The immunosensor to detect H9 subtype AIV was established.[Result] The results showed that the immunosensor displayed better specificity to H9 AIV and had no response to H5AIV and NDV when it was used for detection.The sensitivity test indicated the detection sensitivity for the H9 subtype AIV could reach 20-100 EID50.[Conclusion] The research provided a foundation for further research on the immunosensor for detecting AIV and it could be a new approach to detect other related viruses.

Ventilator management for acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with avian infl uenza A(H7N9) virus infection: A case series

BACKGROUND: Data on the mechanical ventilation(MV) characteristics and radiologic features for the cases with H7 N9-induced ARDS were still lacking.METHODS: We describe the MV characteristics and radiologic features of adult patients with ARDS due to microbiologically confirmed H7 N9 admitted to our ICU over a 3-month period.RESULTS: Eight patients(mean age 57.38±16.75; 5 male) were diagnosed with H7 N9 in the first quarter of 2014. All developed respiratory failure complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS), which required MV in ICU. The baseline APACHE II and SOFA score was 11.77±6.32 and 7.71±3.12. The overall CT scores of the patients was 247.68±34.28 and the range of CT scores was 196.3–294.7. The average MV days was 14.63±6.14, and 4 patients required additional rescue therapies for refractory hypoxemia. Despite these measures, 3 patients died.CONCLUSION: In H7 N9-infected patients with ARDS, low tidal volume strategy was the conventional mode. RM as one of rescue therapies to refractory hypoxemia in these patients with serious architectural distortion and high CT scores, which could cause further lung damage, may induce bad outcomes and requires serious consideration. Prone ventilation may improve mortality, and should be performed at the early stage of the disease, not as a rescue therapy.

Genetic Variation Analysis on the Whole Genomic Sequence of a H9N2 Subtype Avian Influenza Virus Isolate

A Objective3 This study was to understand the genetic variation characters of the H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus isolate （A/Chicken/ Hebei/WD/98, abbreviated as WD98） by comparing with other reference strains. I-Method3 Eight complete genes were amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. The homology and genetic evolution relationship were analyzed between these sequences and that of the seven reference strains. [Result] The whole genomic sequence of WD98 strain was 91.1% -95.8% homologous to that of seven reference strains tested. This isolate shared the highest homology （95.8%） to D/HK/Y280/97 and the lowest homology （91.1% ） to C/Pak/2/99. The HA cleavage site of the WD98 strain was R-S-S-R G, and the 226th amino acid at receptor-binding site was Gin. [ Condmion] WD98 strain belongs to mildly pathogenic avian in- fluenza virus and may not infect human. The genetic relationship is the closest between A/Chicken/Hebei/wD/98 and A/duck/HongKong/Y280/ 97, both of which belong to the sub-line of A/Chicken/Beijing/1/94 in Eurasian line. And A/Chicken/Hebei/WD/98 and A/Chicken/Beijing/1/94 are genetically distant within the same sub-line.

Clinical Study of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Induced by Epidemic Influenza A(H7N9) Infection: A Hint for COVID-19 Treatment

2013年,H7N9病毒在哺乳动物宿主之间迅速传播,并具有人与人之间传播的风险。患者表现为重症肺炎、急性呼吸窘迫综合征(acute respiratory distress syndrome,ARDS)和呼吸衰竭。间充质干细胞(mesenchymal stem cell,MSC)移植在病毒性肺炎的治疗中有广阔的前景,并于2013年作为应急性治疗方法来治疗H7N9感染的ARDS。该研究在单中心开展,为开放式临床研究。根据自愿和知情同意的原则,17例H7N9感染的ARDS患者移植同种异体经血来源的MSC作为治疗组,44例H7N9感染的ARDS患者作为对照组。与对照组相比,MSC移植显著降低了ARDS病死率(MSC治疗组和对照组死亡率分别为17.6%和54.5%)。此外,在对4名MSC移植患者进行为期5年的随访中,未发现MSC移植产生有害影响。总体而言,该研究结果表明MSC移植显著提高了H7N9感染的ARDS的存活率,并为开展临床前和临床应用MSC治疗H7N9感染的ARDS的研究提供了理论基础。由于H7N9和新型冠状病毒肺炎(coronavirus disease 2019,COVID-19)临床表现相似(如ARDS和呼吸衰竭),并继发多器官功能障碍,因此基于MSC的疗法可能为COVID-19所致的ARDS患者获益。

Distribution of Avian Influenza A Viruses in Poultry-Related Environment and Its Association with Human Infection in Henan, 2016 to 2017

Objective To survey avian influenza A viruses(AIVs) in the environment and explore the reasons for the surge in human H7 N9 cases.Methods A total of 1,045 samples were collected from routine surveillance on poultry-related environments and 307 samples from human H7 N9 cases-exposed environments in Henan from 2016 to2017. The nucleic acids of influenza A(Flu A), H5, H7, and H9 subtypes were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results A total of 27 H7 N9 cases were confirmed in Henan from 2016 to 2017, 24 had a history of live poultry exposure, and 15 had H7 N9 virus detected in the related live poultry markets(LPMs). About 96%(264/275) Flu A positive-environmental samples were from LPMs. H9 was the main AIV subtype(10.05%) from routine surveillance sites with only 1 H7-positive sample, whereas 21.17% samples were H7-positive in H7 N9 cases-exposed environments. Samples from H7 N9 cases-exposed LPMs(47.56%)had much higher AIVs positive rates than those from routine surveillance sites(12.34%). The H7+H9 combination of mixed infection was 78.18%(43/55) of H7-positive samples and 41.34%(43/104) of H9-positive samples.Conclusion The contamination status of AIVs in poultry-related environments is closely associated with the incidence of human infection caused by AIVs. Therefore, systematic surveillance of AIVs in LPMs in China is essential for the detection of novel reassortant viruses and their potential for interspecies transmission.

Pathogenesis and Immunogenicity of an Avian H9N2 Influenza Virus Isolated from Human

Objective To investigate the pathogenesis and immunogenicity of H9N2 influenza virus A/Guangzhou/333/99 （a reassortant of G1 and G9 viruses isolated from a female patient in 1999） in a mouse model of infection.Methods Mice were infected with increasing virus titers.Viral load in the lungs and trachea was determined by EID50 assay.Pulmonary histopathology was assessed by hematoxylin‐eosin staining.Anti‐HI antibody titers and T‐cell responses to viral HA were determined by ELISPOT and confirmed by flow cytometry.Results Mice presented a mild syndrome after intranasal infection with A/Guangzhou/333/99 （H9N2） influenza virus.Virus was detected in the trachea and lungs of mice harvested on days 3,6,and 9 post‐infection.A T‐cell response to viral HA was detected on day 6 and H9 HA‐specific CD 4＋ T‐cells predominated.Seroconversion was detected after 14 days and antibody persisted for at least 28 weeks.Conclusion Our results suggest that H9N2 （A/Guangzhou/333/99） can replicate in the murine respiratory tract without prior adaptation,and both humoral and cell‐mediated immunity play an important role in the immune response.