Abstract
In genetic vaccination, recipients are immunized with antigen-encoding nucleic acid, usually DNA. This study addressed the possibility of using the recombinant alpha virus RNA molecule, which replicates in the cytoplasm of transfected cells, as a novel approach for genetic vaccination. Mice were immunized with recombinant Semliki Forest virus RNA-encoding envelope proteins from one of 3 viruses: influenza A virus, a tickborne flavivirus (louping ill virus), or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Serologic analyses showed that antigen-specific antibody responses were elicited. IgG isotyping indicated that predominantly Th1 type immune responses were induced after immunization with RSV F protein-encoding RNA, which is relevant for protection against RSV infection. Challenge infection showed that RNA immunization had elicited significant levels of protection against the 3 model virus diseases.
Publication types
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
- Animals
- Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / genetics
- Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / immunology*
- Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / prevention & control
- Female
- Immunity, Cellular
- Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
- Influenza A virus / genetics
- Influenza A virus / immunology*
- Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage
- Influenza Vaccines / immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections / prevention & control
- RNA, Viral / immunology*
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / prevention & control
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines / genetics
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines / immunology
- Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / genetics
- Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / immunology*
- Semliki forest virus / genetics
- Semliki forest virus / immunology
- Th1 Cells
- Transfection
- Vaccines, Synthetic / genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic / immunology
- Viral Vaccines* / genetics
- Viral Vaccines* / immunology
Substances
- Immunoglobulin G
- Influenza Vaccines
- RNA, Viral
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines
- Vaccines, Synthetic
- Viral Vaccines