Self-replicative RNA vaccines elicit protection against influenza A virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and a tickborne encephalitis virus

J Infect Dis. 2001 May 1;183(9):1395-8. doi: 10.1086/319857. Epub 2001 Mar 30.

Abstract

In genetic vaccination, recipients are immunized with antigen-encoding nucleic acid, usually DNA. This study addressed the possibility of using the recombinant alpha virus RNA molecule, which replicates in the cytoplasm of transfected cells, as a novel approach for genetic vaccination. Mice were immunized with recombinant Semliki Forest virus RNA-encoding envelope proteins from one of 3 viruses: influenza A virus, a tickborne flavivirus (louping ill virus), or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Serologic analyses showed that antigen-specific antibody responses were elicited. IgG isotyping indicated that predominantly Th1 type immune responses were induced after immunization with RSV F protein-encoding RNA, which is relevant for protection against RSV infection. Challenge infection showed that RNA immunization had elicited significant levels of protection against the 3 model virus diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / genetics
  • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / immunology*
  • Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
  • Influenza A virus / genetics
  • Influenza A virus / immunology*
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Influenza Vaccines / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / prevention & control
  • RNA, Viral / immunology*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / prevention & control
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines / genetics
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines / immunology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / genetics
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / immunology*
  • Semliki forest virus / genetics
  • Semliki forest virus / immunology
  • Th1 Cells
  • Transfection
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / genetics
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / immunology
  • Viral Vaccines* / genetics
  • Viral Vaccines* / immunology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Influenza Vaccines
  • RNA, Viral
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Synthetic
  • Viral Vaccines