Synthetic Peptide Vaccines for the Control of Arenavirus Infections.
Abstract
We are using genetic cloning methods to develop an effective vaccine against arenaviruses. Developmental studies are being carried out and techniques established with prototype arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), and these techniques will be applied for rapid future development of vaccines against the pathogenic arenaviruses Lassa, Junin and Machup. Using techniques of protein chemistry we are identifying and mapping important immunogenic regions within the LCMV glycoproteins. The LCMV genomic RNAs have been cloned and the primary sequence of the viral polypeptides deduced from the cloned viral cDNAs. Short peptides corresponding to the immunogenic regions will be synthesized chemically and assayed for ability to induce protective neutralizing antibody responses in experimental animals. Experimental approaches to therapy for acute arenavirus infections will also be explored. These will includes using cloned cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and antisera against components of the major histocompatibility complex (H-2 in mice) in attempts to modify the progress of acute disease in mice.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA171376
Entities
People
- Michael J. Buchmeier
- Peter J. Southern
Organizations
- Scripps Research