Gene expression vaccine

Abstract

An effective prophylactic mucosal gene expression vaccine (GXV), made up of a cocktail of at least 4 different plasmid DNAs encoding corresponding RSV antigens, coacervated with chitosan to formulate nanospheres. In a murine model of RSV infection, intranasal administration with GXV results in significant induction of RSV-specific antibodies, nasal IgA antibodies, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and IFN-γ production in the lung and splenocytes. A single dose of GXV induces a drastic reduction of viral titers.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 60 / 325,573, filed Sept. 28, 2001.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates generally to gene expression vaccines. More specifically, the invention relates to gene expression vaccines that can be administered intra-nasally or orally. BACKGROUND [0003] The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of viral lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children, affecting about 4 million children globally and leading to about 100,000 hospitalizations and 4,500 deaths per annum in the United States alone. RSV infection is associated with recurrent episodes of bronchiolitis, bronchial obstruction and exacerbation of asthma in children. Incidence of RSV infection-induced bronchiolitis has been increasing. There is no effective prophylaxis available against RSV infection. Previous attempts to develop a vaccine using a formalin-inactivated RSV vaccine not only failed but also exacerbated the disease wh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a gene expression vaccine (GXV) that is safe and effective against RSV infection. The vaccine is a combination of plasmid DNAs encoding RSV antigens, which are administered in the form of chitosan nanospheres. The vaccine can be administered through the nasal or oral route and is effective in attenuating pulmonary inflammation induced by RSV infection. The vaccine is also safe and induces immunity to RSV infection at a single dose of approximately 25 μg of cocktail / mouse. The vaccine induces antibodies to multiple antigens and increases specific IgG titers, nasal IgA titers, and enhances IFN-γ production in both lung and spleen tissues.

Problems solved by technology

There is no effective prophylaxis available against RSV infection.

Previous attempts to develop a vaccine using a formalin-inactivated RSV vaccine not only failed but also exacerbated the disease when subsequent RSV infection occurred.

Further, development of therapy against RSV has been limited by the short incubation period.

However, the quantity of DNA used per unit bodymass and the route chosen might make these vaccines unsuitable for human use.

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