Research from Wyeth reveals new findings on respiratory syncytial virus vaccines
2007 NOV 20 -- New investigation results, 'Alphavirus replicon particles encoding the fusion or attachment glycoproteins of respiratory syncytial virus elicit protective immune responses in BALB/c mice and functional serum antibodies in rhesus macaques,' are detailed in a study published in Vaccine. According to a study from the United States, "Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute respiratory tract disease in humans. Towards development of a prophylactic vaccine, we genetically engineered Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) replicons encoding the fusion (Fa) or attachment (Ga or Gb) proteins of the A or B subgroups of RSV." "Intramuscular immunization with a formulation composed of equal amounts of each replicon particle (3vRSV replicon vaccine) generated serum neutralizing antibodies against A and B strains of RSV in BALB/c mice and rhesus macaques. When contrasted with purified natural protein or formalin-inactivated RSV formulated with alum, the 3vRSV replicon vaccine induced balanced Th1/Th2 T cell responses in mice. This was evident in the increased number of RSV-specific IFN-gamma(+) splenocytes following F or G peptide stimulation, diminished quantity of eosinophils and type 2 T cell cytokines in the lungs after challenge, and increased in vivo lysis of RSV peptide-loaded target cells. The immune responses in mice were also protective against intranasal challenge with RSV," wrote M.B. Elliott and colleagues, Wyeth. The researchers concluded: "Thus, the replicon-based platform represents a promising new strategy for vaccines against RSV." Elliott and colleagues published their study in Vaccine (Alphavirus replicon particles encoding the fusion or attachment glycoproteins of respiratory syncytial virus elicit protective immune responses in BALB/c mice and functional serum antibodies in rhesus macaques. Vaccine, 2007;25(41):7132-44). For more information, contact M.B. Elliott, Wyeth Research, 401 N Middletown Road, Pearl River, NY 10965 USA.. Publisher contact information for the journal Vaccine is: Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, Oxon, England. Keywords: United States, Pearl River, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines, Biotechnology, Infectious Disease, Pulmonology, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Vaccines, Viral. This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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