ENHANCED IMMUNE RESPONSE IN BOVINE SPECIES
The present invention relates to a method of immune activation which is effective for eliciting a non-antigen-specific immune response in a member of the bovine species. The method is particularly effective for protecting a member of the bovine species from infectious disease and treating animals inflicted with infectious disease.
1 . A method for treating bovine respiratory disease in cattle comprising administering an immunomodulator composition comprising:
a. a cationic liposome delivery vehicle; and
b. a nucleic acid molecule
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the liposome delivery vehicle comprises lipids selected from the group consisting of multilamellar vesicle lipids and extruded lipids.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the liposome delivery vehicle comprises pairs of lipids selected from the group consisting of DTMA and cholesterol; DOTAP and cholesterol; DOTIM and cholesterol; and DDAB and cholesterol.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid molecule is a bacterially-derived nucleic acid vector or a fragment thereof that does not code for an immunogen.
5 . The method of claim 1 wherein administration is selected from the group consisting of intravenously, intramuscularly, intradermal, intraperitoneal, subcutaneously, by spray/aerosol, orally, intraocularly, intratracheally, and intranasal.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the immunomodulator composition further comprises a biological agent selected from the group consisting of an immune enhancer proteins, immunogens, vaccines, antimicrobials and any combination thereof.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the bovine respiratory disease is caused by a viral infection and/or bacterial infection.
8 . A method for reducing clinical signs caused by Mannheimia haemolytica in cattle comprising administering an immunomodulator composition comprising:
a. a DOTIM and a cholesterol lipid combination; and
b. a bacterially-derived nucleic acid vector or a fragment thereof that does not code for an immunogen.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the immunomodulator composition further comprises a biological agent.
10 . (canceled)
11 . (canceled)
12 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the biological agent is selected from the group consisting of an immune enhancer proteins, immunogens, vaccines, antimicrobials and any combination thereof.