Immunisation with recombinant BCG expressing the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) L1 gene provides protection from CRPV challenge

V. A. Govan, N. D. Christensen, C. Berkower, W. R. Jacobs, A. L. Williamson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recombinant Bacille Calmette-Guerin (rBCG) could potentially be the vaccine vehicle of choice to deliver foreign antigens from multiple pathogens. In this study we have used the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) rabbit model to provide a "proof of concept" that immunisation with rBCG expressing the CRPV major capsid protein, L1 (rBCG/CRPVL1), will protect outbred New Zealand White rabbits against CRPV challenge. Rabbits immunised with rBCG/CRPVL1 (107 cfu/ml) were protected 5 weeks post-CRPV challenge. Rabbits immunised with rBCG/CRPVL1 (105 cfu/ml) had papillomas, which were smaller and took longer to appear than the control rabbits. None of the negative control rabbits vaccinated with rBCG expressing an irrelevant gene or PBS were protected from CRPV challenge. Sera from rabbits immunised with rBCG/CRPVL1 (107 cfu/ml) were able to neutralise 54.5% of CRPV at serum dilutions of 1:200. These results provide evidence that BCG could potentially be used as a vaccine delivery vehicle for human papillomavirus proteins as a possible prophylactic vaccine.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2087-2093
Number of pages7
JournalVaccine
Volume24
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 15 2006

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Molecular Medicine
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • General Veterinary
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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