Abstract:
Recombinant nucleic acid molecules are described. The molecules have a sequence or sequences encoding at least two M. tuberculosis antigens. Vectors and compositions containing these molecules are also described. In addition, compositions containing a cocktail of recombinant nucleic acid molecules having a sequence or sequences encoding one or more M. tuberculosis antigens are described. Methods of eliciting an immune response using these molecules and compositions are also described.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for the convenient transformation of the somatic cells of animals. Somatic cell transformation is useful for medical and veterinary care of genetic diseases, and other therapeutic or animal improvement purposes. The method makes use of an electric discharge particle acceleration apparatus which can inject very small particles of gold or other dense material carrying genetic constructs coated on them into the living cells of animals. The animals not only live, but there is no visible bruising or bleeding at the site of the treatment. The method is particularly adaptable since the force of the particle injection in such a spark discharge apparatus is adjustable by adjustments to the voltage of the spark discharge.
Abstract:
A method for depositing particles coated with biological substances onto the concave inner surface of a length of tubing includes the steps of preparing a uniform suspension of coated particles, introducing the particles into the tubing, placing the tubing into a generally horizontal position, removing the evaporable liquid after the particles have settled, and drying the particles. When dry, the tubing is cut into sample cartridges of appropriate length for use in a particle acceleration instrument. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A nucleic acid construct comprising a chimeric promoter sequence and a cloning site for insertion of a coding sequence in operable linkage with the chimeric promoter, wherein the chimeric promoter sequence comprises: (a) a hCMV immediate early promoter sequence; (b) exon 1 and at least a part of exon 2 of the hCMV major immediate early gene; and (c) a heterologous intron provided in place of the intron A region of the hCMV major immediate early gene.
Abstract:
Reagents useful in nucleic acid immunization techniques are described. More particularly, adjuvanted genetic vaccine compositions are described, as are methods of using those compositions for inducing an enhanced immune response against a selected antigen.
Abstract:
Minimal promoter sequences are described. Reagents including a nucleic acid molecule which contains these minimal promoter sequences are also described. Methods for constructing these reagents, and methods for using these reagents are also described.
Abstract:
Methods for generating an immune response at a mucosal surface are described. Compositions suitable for use in the methods for generating an immune response at a mucosal surface are also described. In addition, methods for treating or preventing a disease caused by the entry of a pathogen into the body of a subject via a mucosal surface are provided.
Abstract:
A gel-forming free-flowing powder suitable for use as a vaccine is prepared by spray-drying or spray freeze-drying an aqueous suspension that contains an antigen adsorbed to an aluminum salt or calcium salt adjuvant, a saccharide, an amino acid or a salt thereof, and a colloidal substance. Powder for vaccine purposes are also prepared by spray freeze-drying an aqueous suspension of such an adjuvant having an antigen adsorbed therein. Processes for forming these powder compositions are also described, as well as methods of using the compositions in a vaccination procedure.
Abstract:
Recombinant nucleic acid molecules are described. The molecules have a sequence or sequences encoding an antigen from Bacillus anthracis. Vectors and compositions containing these molecules are also described. Methods for eliciting an immune response using these molecules and compositions are also described.
Abstract:
A gel-forming free-flowing powder suitable for use as a vaccine is prepared by spray-drying an aqueous suspension that contains an antigen adsorbed to an aluminum salt adjuvant, a saccharide, an amino acid or a salt thereof, and a colloidal substance. Processes for forming these powder compositions are also described, as well as methods of using the compositions in a vaccination procedure.