Validation of a first-generation Epstein-Barr virus vaccine preparation suitable for human use.
The efficacy of a new vaccine preparation against Epstein-Barr (EB) virus was investigated in cotton-top tamarins. The vaccine consists of fast protein liquid chromatography-purified EB virus membrane antigen glycoprotein of 340 Kd (MA gp340) mixed with a synthetic muramyl dipeptide adjuvant emulsified in squalane containing a pluronic polymer; it is suitable for both scaled-up batch production and eventual administration to man. Vaccinated tamarins rapidly developed ELISA detectable high titre antibodies to MA gp340, and their sera became strongly EB virus-neutralising. After challenge with a massive 100% carcinogenic dose of EB virus, the vaccinated tamarins had a strikingly low level of circulating EB virus-carrying mononuclear cells, in contrast to a control animal, and remained entirely free of tumours. This first-generation vaccine has thus been validated in experimental animals and the way opened for a phase I human trial.
Morgan
A J
AJ
Department of Pathology, University of Bristol Medical School, University Walk, England.
Allison
A C
AC
Finerty
S
S
Scullion
F T
FT
Byars
N E
NE
Epstein
M A
MA
D000119:Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000818:Animals; D002143:Callitrichinae; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014765:Viral Vaccines
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D014765:Viral Vaccines; D000119:Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine