Generation of new multiserotype vaccines against bluetongue virus

Francisco Javier Ortego, PhD

Generation of new multiserotype vaccines against bluetongue virus Bluetongue virus (BTV) belongs to the genus Orbivirus within the family Reoviridae. We have recently established in our laboratory a small animal model of BTV infection based on adult mice deficient in type I IFN receptor (IFNAR(-/-)). These mice are highly susceptible to infection with BTV. IFNAR(-/-) adult mice immunized with a BTV inactivated vaccine showed induction of neutralizing antibodies against BTV-4 and complete protection against challenge with a lethal dose of this virus suggesting that IFNAR(-/-) adult mice are a good animal model to test vaccines. The development of vector-based vaccines expressing conserved protective antigens results in increased immune activation and could reduce the number of multiserotype vaccinations required, therefore providing a cost-effective product. Recent recombinant DNA technology has allowed the development of novel strategies to develop marker and safe vaccines against BTV. We have now engineered naked DNAs and recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (rMVA) expressing BTV proteins. IFNAR(-/-) adult mice are being used in order to facilitate the studies of protection against the different BTV serotypes and the immune response conferred by the heterologous prime boost vaccination with DNA and rMVA expressing BTV proteins.

Next Activity

2019/12/13

Atrio 800

Seminar

Structural basis for genome-wide recognition of DNA clusters by SMAD transcription factors

Maria J. Macias, PhD

Previous Activity

2012/09/25

Atrio 800

Seminar

Activities

Activity Detail