A truncated HCV core protein elicits a potent immune response with a strong participation of cellular immunity components in mice.
The immunogenicity of a truncated HCV core protein (Co.120) was studied in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, given three intramuscular injections of antigen, adjuvanted with either aluminum hydroxide or Freund's adjuvant. A rapid antibody response was noted after the first dose, with both strains of mice eventually exhibiting comparable levels of anti-core IgG (titers >1:100000), with a mixed IgG1/IgG2a subclass response. Spleen cells from Co.120-immunized mice gave a significant specific proliferative response. IFN-gamma gene expression was also detected after an ex-vivo specific stimulation of spleen cells in all immunized mice. This response was independent of dose, H-2 genetic background or type of adjuvant. The results indicated that immunization with the Co.120 protein elicits a potent anti-HCV humoral and cellular immune response.
Alvarez-Obregón
J C
JC
HCV Department, Vaccine Division, Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología, PO Box 6162, 10600 Havana City, Cuba.
Dueñas-Carrera
S
S
Valenzuela
C
C
Grillo
J M
JM
D000818:Animals; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000235:genetics; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D014758:Viral Core Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D014758:Viral Core Proteins; C069130:nucleocapsid protein, Hepatitis C virus; D007371:Interferon-gamma