Abstract:
The problems to be solved by the present invention are to provide: a recombinant varicella-zoster virus; a process for producing the same; a pharmacological composition containing a recombinant varicella-zoster virus; a vector containing a BAC vector sequence in the specific gene of a genomic gene of varicella-zoster virus; cells containing such a vector; a fragment capable of homologous recombination with a genome of varicella-zoster virus; a nucleic acid cassette containing the BAC vector sequence; and a multivalent vaccine. The above problems were solved by developing a process for producing a recombinant varicella-zoster virus, wherein the BAC vector sequence is inserted into a specific virus gene.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a cancer therapeutic agent containing as an active ingredient a substance, particularly CRM197 which inhibits the binding of HB-EGF to EGF receptor by binding to HB-EGF, wherein a cancer is selected from the group consisting of a bladder cancer, a colon cancer or peritoneal metastatic cancers of a stomach cancer and a pancreatic cancer.
Abstract:
A method of controlling the qualities of an attenuated pox vaccine characterized in that the base sequence of the genomic DNA of a pox vaccine virus sample is analyzed so as to confirm that G at the 5,745-position, C at the 105,356-position, G at the 105,544-podiiyon, C at the 106,262-position and C at the 107,252-position (provided that the base numbers are assigned in accordance with the base numbering system of the base sequence of the genomic DNA of pox virus Dumas strain as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1) have not been mutated but conserved.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an adjuvant that possesses a greater adjuvant potential than that of a conventional adjuvant, and that is capable of producing a protective reaction across different strains. This problem has been solved by the finding that a double-stranded RNA (for example, Poly(I:C)) unexpectedly exhibits the above capability when used in combination with a subunit antigen. Accordingly, the present invention provides a vaccine for mucosal administration containing A) a double-stranded RNA and B) a subunit antigen or inactivated antigen of a pathogen.
Abstract:
Mutant measles virus antigens containing at least one protein antigen selected from the group consisting of (I) mutant measles virus H protein antigens and (II) mutant measles virus F protein antigens as specified below: (I) at least one measles virus H protein antigen selected from the group consisting of a full-length protein of an amino acid sequence consisting of 617 amino acids in total described in SEQ ID NO:2 or 10 and specific peptide fragments thereof, and (II) at least one measles virus F protein antigen selected from the group consisting of a full-length protein of an amino acid sequence consisting of 550 amino acids in total described in SEQ ID NO:18 or 20 and specific peptide fragments thereof; and mutant measles virus genes containing genes encoding the above mutant measles virus antigens. The use of these antigens or genes encoding the same makes it possible to efficiently and economically provide attenuated live measles vaccines or gene vaccines suitable for epidemic measles virus strains and diagnostics for appropriately detecting the infection with epidemic measles virus strains.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a polypeptide SE36 derived from the N-terminal domain (47 kd) of SERA (serine-repeat antigen) produced by malaria parasite, Plasonodium falciparum , at the erythrocyte stage, a process for purifying said polypeptide, and a malaria vaccine and diagnostic agent using as an active component said purified antigen obtained therefrom. SE36 can be produced in Escherichia coli on a large scale by deleting all or part of polymerized serines of the 47 kd serine-repeat region, whereby high purification is permitted. The human IgG3 antibodies specifically binding to SE36 prevents highly effectively growth of the protozoa in the red blood cells to inhibit fever and cerebral malaria, and further prevent the death.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a novel inactivated virus particle and a reinforced immunogen which have a reinforced titer about twice to about 10 times that of a conventional vaccine, as well as a method for producing the same. The inactivated virus particle of the present invention is useful in a diagnostic agent for infectious disease caused by a group of Japanese encephalitis viruses.
Abstract:
A functional fragment antigen of tetanus toxin characterized in that the antigen comprises a fragment which is substantially the same as at least one type of the fragments obtained by cleaving at least one of the peptide bonds formed between the amino acid residues in the partial amino acid sequence present between the two cysteine residues participating in the disulfide bridge present on the N-terminal side in the full-length amino acid sequence of a full-length tetanus toxin molecule, also cleaving the disulfide bridge itself, and further cleaving the non-covalent bonds between the amino acid residues that constitute the toxin molecule peptide, that it has a molecular weight of 90,000 to 110,000 as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and an isoelectric point of 7.25±0.5 as determined by isoelectric electrophoresis, and that it has an immunogenicity substantially equal to that of a full-length tetanus toxin molecule. This antigen keeps an immunogenicity as a tetanus vaccine antigen and is remarkably reduced in side effects. The invention also provides a process for the mass production of the functional fragment antigen, a vaccine containing this antigen, and a mixed vaccine comprising the above vaccine and a different vaccine.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a stabilized live vaccine containing a varicella virus and a stabilizer, wherein the vaccine is substantially free of Ca²⁺ ions and Mg²⁺ ions. This stabilized live vaccine is extremely excellent in storage stability and heat resistance. Also disclosed is an improved stabilizer for a live varicella vaccine, comprising at least one member selected from gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin, each being substantially free of Ca²⁺ ions and Mg²⁺ ions. The stabilizer can advantageously be used to stabilize a live vaccine containing a varicella virus. The substantial freedom of Ca²⁺ ions and Mg²⁺ ions can be attained by masking Ca²⁺ ions and Mg²⁺ ions present in a live vaccine containing a varicella virus and a stabilizer, with a chelating reagent, or by using as a stabilizer gelatin and/or a gelatin derivative after being purified to remove Ca²⁺ ions and/or Mg²⁺ ions contained therein.
Abstract:
Disclosed are an isolated non-A, non-B hepatitis virus particle comprising at least one antigen selected from the group consisting of a core antigen, a matrix antigen and an envelope antigen of the non-A, non-B hepatitis virus and a method for efficiently producing the same by genetic engineering. The non-A, non-B hepatitis virus particle can advantageously be used not only for the production of an NANBV hepatitis vaccine exhibiting an extremely high immunogenicity and a diagnostic agent which is extremely high in the antibody detection ratio and in the degree of accuracy of the detection, but is also useful for researches on liver diseases, such as liver cancer.