Attenuated SARS and use as a vaccine

Abstract

The present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding attenuated SARS-CoV viruses which are capable of producing a maximum viral titer in cell culture that is reduced at least by a factor of 2 when compared to the maximum viral titer of wild-type SARS-CoV virus in the same cell culture. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the nucleic acids encoding an attenuated SARS-CoV virus, are obtainable by a method comprising steps, wherein the genome of a SARS-CoV virus is modified by amending the sequence of the gene encoding the SARS-CoV E protein so that the nucleic acid cannot express a functional E protein. The present invention further relates to the viruses encoded by these nucleic acids as well as the medical use of the nucleic acids and of the viruses.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding an attenuated SARS-CoV virus capable of growing in a cell culture when compared to the maximum viral titer of a wild-type SARS-CoV virus in the same cell culture The maximum virus titer produced in the culture was reduced. technical background

[0002] Treatment methods that involve the insertion of functional genes into cells to achieve a therapeutic effect are also known as gene therapy methods because genes act as drugs. Gene therapy is a technique primarily used to correct defective genes responsible for the development of diseases.

[0003] Carrier molecules, also known as vectors, are used to deliver therapeutic genes to target cells in a patient. Currently, the most common vectors are viruses, which have been genetically altered to carry human or animal genes. Viruses have naturally evolved to package and deliver their genes into human and animal cells in a pathogenic manner. At the same time, however, s...

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