title: DNA encoding a single mycobacterial antigen protects against leprosy infection.
abstract: The continuing incidence of leprosy infection around the world and the inability of Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) to protect certain populations clearly indicates that an improved vaccine against leprosy is needed. The immuno dominant 35 kDa protein, shared by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium avium, but not Mycobacterium tuberculosis or BCG, is recognised by >90% of leprosy patients, making it an ideal candidate antigen for a subunit vaccine. Immunization of outbred Swiss Albino mice with a DNA-35 vaccine stimulated specific T cell activation and IFN-gamma production. DNA-35 immunization induced significant levels of protection against M. leprae footpad infection, comparable to that produced by BCG. Therefore, DNA immunization with the 35 kDa antigen is effective against M. leprae infection and genetic immunization with a combination of antigens holds the potential for an improved vaccine against leprosy.
authors.affiliation: Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Locked Bag No. 6, NSW 2042, Newtown, Australia.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Roche
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Triccas
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Britton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D001500:BCG Vaccine / Q000494:pharmacology; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001483:Base Sequence; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007918:Leprosy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D051379:Mice; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001500:BCG Vaccine; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D017931:DNA Primers; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; D007371:Interferon-gamma