Recombinant rotavirus inner core proteins produced in the milk of transgenic rabbits confer a high level of protection after intrarectal delivery

Vaccine. 2007 Aug 21;25(34):6373-80. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.06.011. Epub 2007 Jun 27.

Abstract

Development of a safe, cheap and efficient vaccine against rotavirus is important to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with gastroenteritis in infants worldwide. High quantities of two inner core rotavirus-derived proteins (VP2 and a nonglycosylated mutant VP6 (VP6(NG)) from the RF81 bovine strain) were produced in the milk of transgenic rabbits. We show here that rectal administration of partially purified milk-derived VP2 and VP6(NG) proteins with the detoxified LT(R192G) adjuvant almost completely prevented fecal shedding induced by a highly infectious challenge in mice with the murine ECw strain. The vaccine generated rotavirus-specific fecal secretory IgA, systemic IgG and IgA and a rotavirus-specific Th1 response. We thus demonstrate in clinically feasible settings that mass production of viral protein in transgenic milk is a promising way to generate subunit vaccine against rotavirus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Antigens, Viral / genetics
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology*
  • Capsid Proteins / genetics
  • Capsid Proteins / immunology*
  • Female
  • Immunization
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Milk / metabolism
  • Rabbits
  • Rectum
  • Rotavirus Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Rotavirus Vaccines / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / administration & dosage
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antigens, Viral
  • Capsid Proteins
  • Rotavirus Vaccines
  • VP2 protein, Rotavirus
  • VP6 protein, Rotavirus
  • Vaccines, Synthetic