Research from University of Glasgow, Glasgow Biomedical Research Center provides new data about anthrax vaccines
2007 NOV 19 -- New research, 'Immunisation with anthrolysin O or a genetic toxoid protects against challenge with the toxin but not against Bacillus anthracis,' is the subject of a report. According to recent research from Glasgow, the United Kingdom, "Anthrolysin O (ALO) is a toxin produced by Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. It is a member of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) group of toxins, many of which are potential vaccine candidates that protect against their producing organisms." "Pore formation by ALO was studied by transmission electron microscopy and pores were found to be consistent with those formed by other members of this toxin family. We constructed and characterised a novel genetic toxoid of anthrolysin O, Delta6mALO, which was able to bind to cells but was incapable of pore-formation or haemolysis. The capacity of the haemolytic and non-haemolytic forms of ALO to protect against challenge with the toxin or B. anthracis was determined. Immunisation with both active and non-haemolytic forms of ALO elicited protection against lethal i.v. challenge with ALO but neither was protective against B. anthracis in a murine i.p. challenge model. Immunisation with another CDC, pneumolysin, did not confer cross-protection against challenge with ALO," wrote G.J. Cowan and colleagues, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Biomedical Research Center. The researchers concluded: "Histopathological investigation following lethal i.v. challenge with ALO revealed acute pathology in the lungs with occlusion of alveolar vessels by fibrin deposits." Cowan and colleagues published their study in Vaccine (Immunisation with anthrolysin O or a genetic toxoid protects against challenge with the toxin but not against Bacillus anthracis. Vaccine, 2007;25(41):7197-205). For additional information, contact G.J. Cowan, University of Glasgow, Division of Infection and Immunity, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK. Publisher contact information for the journal Vaccine is: Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, Oxon, England. Keywords: United Kingdom, Glasgow, Anthrax Vaccines, Anthrax, Biotechnology, Vaccines. This article was prepared by Bioterrorism Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Bioterrorism Week via NewsRx.com.
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