Assessment of a DNA Vaccine Encoding Burkholderia pseudomallei Bacterioferritin

Abstract

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, a disease endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. The bacteria cause infection via subcutaneous or inhaled routes, resulting in either acute lethal sepsis or chronic and eventually fatal disease. Currently no licensed vaccine is available to provide protection against this pathogen. Intracellular enzymatic proteins of other bacterial species, such as the iron storage protein bacterioferritin, have been shown to be potent inducers of the immune response. In this study, a DNA vaccine encoding the B. pseudomallei bacterioferritin protein was constructed. The DNA vaccine was then used to immunise mice and analyse subsequent immune responses and protective capability following live challenge with B. pseudomallei. There was a substantial increase in anti-bacterioferritin IgG titers following immunisation, however the cellular response and survival following challenge was limited, suggesting that the vaccine may need to be used in conjunction with adjuvant such as CpG or in a multicomponent vaccine in order to increase protective capabilities.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA476862

Entities

People

  • David Proll
  • Jane Mcallister
  • Jodie Barnes
  • Natkunam Ketheesan
  • Penny Gauci
  • Sharon Lazzaroni

Organizations

  • Defence Science and Technology Group

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antigens
  • Bacteria
  • Bacterial Infections
  • Biological Factors
  • Biotechnology
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Immune System
  • Immunity
  • Immunization
  • Infection
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Instructions
  • Medical Personnel
  • Proteins
  • Vaccines

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Microbial Pathology
  • Molecular Genetics

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology