Influenza B Virus (Strain: Brisbane/33/08) - 1 mL

Influenza B Virus (Strain: Brisbane/33/08) 

The Influenza B Virus (Strain: Brisbane/33/08) is a laboratory-adapted virus strain from the B/Victoria lineage, isolated in Brisbane, Australia, in 2008. It is widely used as a reference material in influenza research, diagnostic assay validation, vaccine quality control, and virus neutralization studies.

This product is supplied in a 1 mL volume, typically at a defined infectious titer (e.g., ≥10⁶ TCID₅₀/mL), suspended in a suitable viral transport medium or phosphate-buffered saline. The virus is propagated in MDCK (Madin-Darby Canine Kidney) cells, a standard host line for influenza virus amplification.

Technical Characteristics

Genome Structure

The Influenza B virus contains 8 RNA segments coding for:

• Hemagglutinin (HA) – major surface glycoprotein, binds to sialic acid on host cells.
• Neuraminidase (NA) – releases progeny virions.
• Polymerase complex (PB1, PB2, PA) – RNA-dependent RNA polymerase components.
• Nucleoprotein (NP) – encapsidates the RNA segments.
• Matrix (M1, M2) – viral structure and ion channel activity.
• Non-structural proteins (NS1, NS2) – host immune modulation and nuclear export.

The HA gene of Brisbane/33/08 shows amino acid changes from previous B/Victoria strains, making it important for evaluating immune escape and antigenic drift.

Applications

• Reference Strain for Vaccine Studies: Used in hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and microneutralization assays to test vaccine-induced antibodies.
• Molecular Assay Development: Calibration of qRT-PCR primers and probes for Influenza B lineage discrimination.
• Antiviral Screening: In vitro models for assessing candidate compounds against Influenza B replication.
• Serological Assays: Used in ELISA and lateral flow formats for B/Victoria antigen detection.
• Infectivity Testing: Standard for quantifying TCID₅₀ or PFU in controlled infection models.

Handling Guidelines

• Thaw on ice immediately before use.
• Gently mix without vortexing to maintain viral particle integrity.
• Use biosafety cabinet and BSL-2 practices.
• Aliquot post-thaw if repeat use is expected to avoid freeze-thaw damage.
• Dispose using validated viral inactivation protocols.

Storage and Stability

• Long-term storage at -80°C.
• Stable for up to 12 months if unopened and correctly frozen.
• Avoid >2 freeze-thaw cycles to maintain infectivity.
• If diluted, store working solution at 4°C and use within 24 hours.

Documentation and Testing

• Sterility-tested (mycoplasma, bacterial/fungal contamination)
• Titer determined via TCID₅₀, plaque assay, or qPCR.
• Genetic identity confirmed via segmental RT-PCR and Sanger or NGS sequencing.
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with each batch.

Use Restrictions

• For research use only (RUO).
• Not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
• Not for use in human or animal subjects.