DNA vaccine using liposome-encapsulated plasmid DNA encoding for hemagglutinin protein of influenza virus

• US 20030008000A1
• Filed: 03/07/2002
• Published: 01/09/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Her Majesty The Queen In Right of Canada As Represented By The Minister of National Defence
• Original Assignee: Her Majesty The Queen In Right of Canada As Represented By The Minister of National Defence
• Inventors: Wong, Jonathan P., Nagata, Leslie P.
• Application Number:
  US10/091,567
• Publication Number:
  US 20030008000A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 424/450
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 2039/53 DNA (RNA) vaccination
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0043 Nose
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/127 Liposomes
• CPC Class Codes: C07K 14/005 from viruses
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 15/88 using microencapsulation, e.g. using amphiphile liposome vesicle
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2760/16122 New viral proteins or individual genes, new structural or functional aspects of known viral proteins or genes

Abstract

DNA vaccination using plasmid encoding the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of influenza virus to induce long-lasting protective immunity against respiratory infection is disclosed. Efficacy of DNA vaccines is shown using a lethal influenza infection model in mice by employing liposomes as carriers. Mice immunized intranasally or intramuscularly with liposome-encapsulated pCI plasmid endcoding HA (pCI-HA10) are completely protected against an intranasal 5 LD₅₀ influenza virus challenge. Mice immunized with liposome-encapsulated pCI-HA10, but not naked pCI-HA10, by intranasal administration are found to produce high titers of serum IgA. The present invention shows that DNA vaccines encapsulated in liposomes are efficacious in inducing complete protective immunity against respiratory influenza virus infection.

Claims

1. A deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccine against influenza virus infection comprising a plasmid carrying a gene encoding hemagglutinin (HA) protein, said DNA vaccine being encapsulated in liposomes.

2. A vaccine as claimed in claim 1 directed to the induction of mucosal immunity for treating respiratory influenza virus infection.

3. A vaccine as claimed in claim 2 targeting the mucosal surfaces in the respiratory tract of a host.

4. A transfer vector comprising a pCI-HA10 plasmid adapted for transformation of a microorganism host.

5. A process of cloning a pCI-HA10 plasmid comprising:

(1) re-ainplifying hemagglutinin (HA) gene with primers;

(2) ligating HA gene into a pCI vector;

(3) transforming said vector into competent E. Coli cells; and

(4) transcribing and translating pCI-HA10 clones.

6. Use of a liposome-encapsulated DNA vaccine encoding the hemagglutinin (HA) gene to treat respiratory influenza virus infection.

7. Use of a liposome-encapsulated DNA vaccine as claimed in claim 6, wherein said vaccine is administered intranasally.