A method for synthesizing chimeric influenza virus-likeparticles (VLPs) within a plant or a portion of a plant is provided. Themethod involves expression of chimeric influenza HA in a plant or a portionof a plant. The invention is also directed towards a VLP comprisingchimeric influenza HA protein and plants lipids. The invention is alsodirectedto a nucleic acid encoding chimeric influenza HA as well as vectors.The VLPs may be used to formulate influenza vaccines, or may be used toenrich existing vaccines.
