Respiratory syncytial virus antigen-expressing Streptococcus gordonii: an approach towards mucosal immunization.

Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii) is an oral commensal that has recently been exploited as carrier for mucosal vaccination (1). A variety of antigens, including the E7 protein from human papilloma virus and the V3 domain of HIV gp120, have already been successfully expressed and delivered using this system The aim of our study is to utilize S. gordonii for surface expression of different RSV proteins and peptides and to use recombinant S. gordonii strains for both systemic and mucosal immunization of mice. The systemic and local antibody response, the T cell response as well as the ability of recombinant S. gordonii to induce a protective immune response will be analyzed. We are currently investigating the antigenicity, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of an RSV peptide (aminoacids 130-230 of G protein) expressed by S. gordonii. This peptide, also contained in a bacterially produced subunit vaccine, has been shown to induce a protective immunity in mice and cotton rats. The S. gordonii recombinant system may also contribute to a better understanding of protective as well as of putative disease enhancing mechanisms in RSV infection. References: (1) M.R. Oggioni and G. Pozzi. (1996) Gene 169, 85-90 (2) Power U.F. et al. (1997) Virology 230: 155-166

Additional information: http://www.UKL.uni-freiburg.de/microbio
contact person: Dr. Falcone, Valeria
Phone: (0761) 203-6600
Email: valeria.kapper-falcone@uniklinik-freiburg.de

Start of project: 2002
End of project: (unlimited)

Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg
Neumann-Haefelin Dieter

Actual Research Report

• Toniolo A, Falcone V, Bernasconi C, Basolo F, Speziale P, Onodera T: DNA immunization of mice against the VP1 capsid protein of Coxsackievirus B4 Scand J Immunol, 2002; 56: 448-455.