Immunotherapy of Congenital SIV Infection.
Abstract
Significant progress has been made during year 02. DNA vaccine experiments continue in the cost-effective mouse model involving Rauscher murine leukemia virus (RLV), in parallel to experiments in the SlV/rhesus monkey system. New RLV DNA vectors have been constructed, and expression of viral gene products has been documented by transient and stable transfections. CTL assays have been established, and a pilot study involving various DNA vaccines in mice has been conducted. A few months ago, we entered into an agreement with the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center, which maintains a large rhesus monkey breeding colony. This has given us excellent access to neonatal animals. In collaboration with Dr. Harriet Robinson, a large DNA vaccine study has been initiated in neonatal macaques, which parallels an experiment that is ongoing in adults, which gives us an opportunity to test whether a given DNA vaccine exhibits age differences in immunogencity. Our key finding is that many macaque infants have developed specific antibodies in response to DNA vaccines. This indicates that the neonatal immune system, rather than being tolerized, is capable of responding to DNA vaccines. We continue to characterize the immune responses further. Challenge experiments with live virus are planned.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADB220348
Entities
People
- Ruth M. Ruprecht
Organizations
- Dana–Farber Cancer Institute