Michael Eaton

Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2006

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Biology and Microbiology

Abstract

In previous studies, we have shown that plasmid DNA priming followed by boosting with a herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 amplicon vectored human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 gp120 antigen induced potent T cell-mediated immunity and antibody response in immunized mice. To evaluate the potential application of this immunotherapeutic approach for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine development, we generated plasmid DNA and a HSV-1 amplicon vector encoding codon-optimized glycoprotein 5 (sGP5) gene of PRRSV. The immunogenicity and protection efficacy of these constructs were evaluated in pigs. Results showed that sGp5 specific, interferon-gamma secreting CD4 T cells and antibody responses were induced via the DNA prime/amplicon boost regimen. Increases in CD4 T cell immunity and antibody responses were observed following challenge of animals with PRRSV, indicative of a memory immune response elicited by the vaccination. However, no PRRSV-specific neutralization (VN) antibody was detected after the boosting immunization, although a subset of animals developed VN antibody following virus challenge with titers ranging from 1 :4 to l: 16. Furthermore, viral RNA was detected in the sera of all animals at 10 days after challenge. Overall, HSV-1 amplicon-vectored PRRSV sGp5 induced PRRSV-specific T cell and antibody responses in immunized animals, but such immune responses were insufficient to provide protection against viremia of animals after PRRSV challenge.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Swine -- Virus diseases

Swine -- Immunology -- Genetic aspects

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome

Herpes simplex virus

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

42

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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