PARAPOXVIRUS VECTORS
The present invention relates to recombinant parapoxviruses which carry in their genomes comprising heterologous DNA derived from a rabies virus, to the preparation of such constructs, and to their use in immunogenic compositions and vaccines. It further relates to the use of recombinant parapoxviruses for diagnostics.
1 . A recombinant parapoxvirus comprising a parapoxvirus and heterologous DNA derived from a rabies virus.
2 . The recombinant parapoxvirus of claim 1 , wherein the parapoxvirus is a Parapoxvirus ovis virus (ORFV).
3 . The recombinant parapoxvirus of claim 2 , wherein the parapoxvirus is Parapoxvirus ovis strain D1701.
4 . The recombinant parapoxvirus of claim 1 , wherein the heterologous DNA comprises the gene encoding the G protein of the rabies virus, or fragments thereof.
5 . The recombinant parapoxvirus of claim 1 , wherein the heterologous DNA comprises SEQ ID NO: 4, or a sequence having at least about 98% identity to SEQ ID NO: 4.
6 . The recombinant parapoxvirus of claim 1 , wherein the heterologous DNA is inserted within the HindIII fragment H/H of Parapoxvirus ovis strain D1701.
7 . The recombinant parapoxvirus of claim 6 , wherein the heterologous DNA is inserted within the VEGF coding sequence or adjacent non-coding sequences within the HindIII fragment HUH of Parapoxvirus ovis strain D1701.
8 . The parapoxvirus of claim 1 , wherein the parapoxvirus is Parapoxvirus ovis D1701-V-RabG.
9 . A method of preparing the recombinant parapoxvirus of claim 1 comprising inserting heterologous DNA into the genome of the parapoxvirus.
10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the parapoxvirus is Parapoxvirus ovis.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the parapoxvirus is Parapoxvirus ovis strain D 1701.
12 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the heterologous DNA comprises the gene encoding the G protein of the rabies virus, or fragments thereof.
13 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the heterologous DNA comprises SEQ ID NO: 4, Or a sequence having at least about 98% identity to SEQ ID NO: 4.
14 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the recombinant parapoxvirus is Parapoxvirus ovis D1701-V-RabG.
15 . An immunogenic composition comprising the recombinant parapoxvirus of any of claims 1 to 8 and a carrier.
16 . A method of preparing the immunogenic composition of claim 15 , comprising combining the recombinant parapoxvirus with a carrier.
17 . A method of inducing an immune response against rabies virus in an animal comprising administering to said animal an immunologically effective amount of an immunogenic composition of claim 15 .
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the immune response is the induction of anti-G protein serum antibodies.
19 . The method of claim 17 , wherein an anti-G protein-specific protective immune response is induced.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the induction results in antibody titers exceeding 0.5 International Units per ml.
21 . Use of the recombinant parapoxvirus of any one of claims 1 to 8 in the preparation of a medicament for inducing an immune response against rabies virus in an animal.
22 . A use of the recombinant parapoxvirus of any one of claims 1 to 8 in an assay for the differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals.