DNA immunization strategies offer the promise of controlling
avian coccidiosis in the poultry industry. DNA vaccination, however, typically
requires delivery of large quantities of DNA by injection or particle gun. This
mandates the handling of individual birds for each vaccination and makes the use
of DNA vaccines prohibitively expensive for control of coccidiosis in poultry.
Investigators at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State
University have developed a vaccine delivery system that employs genetically
engineered Salmonella strains. These strains exhibit efficient colonization of
lymphoid tissues and have a self-destructing phenotype for efficient release of
plasmid DNA or protective antigens.
This new technology allows for an easier delivery of plasmid
DNA vaccines encoding antigens to be expressed by the immunized host for
protection against a broad range of viral and parasitic infections. This method
of immunization is most important for pathogens such as viruses and parasites,
where synthesis of the protective antigen in the immunized eukaryotic host is
necessary to achieve the correct post-translational modifications, such as
glycosylation, and the subsequent induction of protective immunity.
Potential Applications
- This novel vaccine strategy can be instrumental in
preventing economically relevant diseases of parasitic or viral origin in
poultry and many other animal species, including humans.
- Another important application of this technology is in
the field of vaccine development against avian or human influenza virus.
- Fast development of avian coccidiosis vaccines
- Poultry industry
Benefits and Advantages
- Improved more efficient vaccine technology
- Easier to deliver and administer
- Handles a wide range of viral and parasite infections
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For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr.
Curtiss' directory webpage
Dr.
Curtiss' departmental webpage
