Reports summarize DNA vaccines research from N. Li and co-authors

   "Pigs were immunized twice with 100 mu g of pSFV1CS-E2 (n=5) or control plasmid pSFV1CS (n=3), respectively, and challenged with virulent Shimen strain 6 weeks following the booster immunization. Pigs immunized with pSFV1CS-E2 developed high titers of specific neutralizing antibodies against CSFV after the booster. and the antibody titers increased rapidly upon challenge. The immunized animals showed no clinical symptoms except short-term fever and low-level viremia. whereas, the control pigs immunized with the control plasmid produced no detectable antibody prior to challenge, and showed obvious clinical signs following challenge, and two pigs died of illness. All control animals developed extended viremia as detected by nested RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR. Severe pathologic lesions typical of CSFV infection were observed at necropsy," wrote N. Li and colleagues.

   The researchers concluded: "It is concluded that the alphavirus replicon-vectored DNA-based vaccine can be a potential marker vaccine against CSFV."

   Li and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Virological Methods (Protection of pigs from lethal challenge by a DNA vaccine based on an alphavirus replicon expressing the E2 glycoprotein of classical swine fever virus. Journal of Virological Methods, 2007;144(1-2):73-78).

   For additional information, contact G.Z. Tong, Chinese Academy Agriculture Science, Harbin Vet. Research Institute, National Key Laboratory Vet. Biotechnology, Harbin 150001, People's Republic of China.

   The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Virological Methods is: Elsevier Science BV, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

   Keywords: People's Republic of China, Harbin, Biotechnology, DNA Vaccines.

   This article was prepared by Pharma Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pharma Business Week via NewsRx.com.

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