Study results from Texas A&M University, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology broaden understanding of immunization
February 23rd, 2009
2009 FEB 23 -- Scientists discuss in 'The Brucella abortus S19 DeltavjbR live vaccine candidate is safer than S19 and confers protection against wild-type challenge in BALB/c mice when delivered in a sustained-release vehicle' new findings in immunization. According to a study from the United States, "Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease of nearly worldwide distribution. Despite the availability of live vaccine strains for bovine (S19, RB51) and small ruminants (Rev-1), these vaccines have several drawbacks, including residual virulence for animals and humans."
"Safe and efficacious immunization systems are therefore needed to overcome these disadvantages. A vjbR knockout was generated in the S19 vaccine and investigated for its potential use as an improved vaccine candidate. Vaccination with a sustained-release vehicle to enhance vaccination efficacy was evaluated utilizing the live S19 DeltavjbR::Kan in encapsulated alginate microspheres containing a nonimmunogenic eggshell precursor protein of the parasite Fasciola hepatica (vitelline protein B). BALB/c mice were immunized intraperitoneally with either encapsulated or nonencapsulated S19 DeltavjbR::Kan at a dose of 1 x 10(5) CFU per animal to evaluate immunogenicity, safety, and protective efficacy. Humoral responses postvaccination indicate that the vaccine candidate was able to elicit an anti-Brucella-specific immunoglobulin G response even when the vaccine was administered in an encapsulated format. The safety was revealed by the absence of splenomegaly in mice that were inoculated with the mutant. Finally, a single dose with the encapsulated mutant conferred higher levels of protection compared to the nonencapsulated vaccine," wrote A.M. Arenas-Gamboa and colleagues, Texas A&M University, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology.
The researchers concluded: "These results suggest that S19 DeltavjbR::Kan is safer than S19, induces protection in mice, and should be considered as a vaccine candidate when administered in a sustained-release manner."
Arenas-Gamboa and colleagues published their study in Infection and Immunity (The Brucella abortus S19 DeltavjbR live vaccine candidate is safer than S19 and confers protection against wild-type challenge in BALB/c mice when delivered in a sustained-release vehicle. Infection and Immunity, 2009;77(2):877-84).
For more information, contact A.M. Arenas-Gamboa, Texas A&M University, Dept. of Veterinary Pathobiology, College Station, Texas 77845-1114 USA..
Publisher contact information for the journal Infection and Immunity is: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.
Keywords: United States, College Station, Biotechnology, Drug Development, Immunization, Pathobiology, Therapy, Treatment, Vaccination, Vaccines.
This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
