Abstract | BACKGROUND: : The feasibility of DNA vaccination against hepatitis E in non-human primates has not been evaluated. In the present study a full-length hepatitis E virus (HEV) open reading frame (ORF)2 (Burmese strain) was assembled, cloned, and used for genetic immunization of cynomolgus macaques (cynos), which were subsequently challenged with a heterologous HEV strain (Mexico). METHODS: : Four cynos were vaccinated intramuscularly with the HEV ORF2 DNA cassette and one animal was vaccinated with a mock DNA construct. RESULTS: : Following vaccination anti-HEV antibodies were detected in the four HEV- DNA-vaccinated cynos, but not in the control animal. When challenged, two of the four HEV- DNA-vaccinated cynos were protected against HEV infection and had no elevated alanine aminotransferase activity, viremia, or fecal shedding. The two other DNA-vaccinated animals developed HEV infection and disease. CONCLUSION: : These findings demonstrate the feasibility of DNA vaccination for the protection of HEV infection and warrant further studies to explore routes other than intramuscular for induction of a stronger and efficacious immune response.
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Authors | Saleem Kamili, John Spelbring, Krzysztof Krawczynski |
Journal | Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
(J Gastroenterol Hepatol)
Vol. 17 Suppl 3
Pg. S365-9
(Dec 2002)
ISSN: 1440-1746 [Electronic] Australia |
PMID | 12472965
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | Copyright 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd |
Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Viral
- ORF2 protein, Hepatitis E virus
- Vaccines, DNA
- Viral Hepatitis Vaccines
- Viral Proteins
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Topics |
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral
(blood)
- Hepatitis E
(prevention & control)
- Hepatitis E virus
(immunology)
- Macaca fascicularis
- Vaccines, DNA
- Viral Hepatitis Vaccines
- Viral Load
- Viral Proteins
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