MXPA00000636A - Nucleic acid vaccines encoding g protein of respiratory syncytial virus - Google Patents

Abstract

Non-replicating vectors, such as plasmid vectors, containing a nucleotide sequence coding for a G protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a promoter for such sequence, preferably a cytomegalovirus promoter, are described. Such vectors also may contain a further nucleotide sequence located adjacent to the RSV G protein encoding sequence to enhance the immunoprotective ability of the RSV G protein when expressed in vivo. Such non-replicating vectors may be used to immunize a host, including a human host, against RSV infection by administration thereto. Such non-replicating vectors also may be used to produce antibodies for detection of RSV infection in a sample.

Description

NUCLEIC ACID VACCINE CODIFIES FOR PROTEINS G RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIC VIRUS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to the field of vaccines against syncytial virus (RSV-Respiratory Syncitial virus) and in particular it is related to vaccines that comprise nucleic acid sequences that code for the binding of the protein (G) of the RSV.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a negative strand RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family of viruses, is the main viral pathogen responsible for bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children (ref 1). - Throughout this specification, various references are made in parentheses to describe more fully the state of the art to which the invention pertains The full bibliographic information of each citation is found at the end of the specification, immediately before the claims. this reference is here incorporated in its entirety as references for this exhibition). Acute respiratory infections caused by RSV cause approximately P976 90,000 hospitalizations and 4,500 deaths per year in the United States (ref 2). The costs of medical care due to RSV infection are greater than 340 million annually in the United States alone (ref 3). Currently there is no authorized vaccine against RSV. The main approaches for the development of a vaccine against RSV have included the inactivated virus, live attenuated viruses and subunit vaccines. It is thought that for a protective immune response against RSV the induction of neutralizing antibodies against the fusion (F) and binding (G) glycoproteins (ref 4) is required. In addition, the responses of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL-Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes) are involved in viral clearance. The F protein is conserved between subgroups A and B of RSV. The G protein (33 kDa) of RSV is an intensely O-glycosylated protein that gives rise to a glycoprotein of apparent molecular weight of 90 kDa (ref 5). Two broad subtypes of the RS virus have been identified: A and B (ref 6). The main antigenic differences between these subtypes are found in glycoprotein G (Refs 3, 7). The use of RSV proteins as vaccines can be an obstacle. Parenteral administration vaccine candidates to date have proven to be P976 poorly immunogenic with respect to the induction of neutralizing antibodies in seronegative chimpanzees. The antibody responses in the serum induced by these antigens can also decrease in the presence of passively acquired antibodies, for example the maternal antibodies acquired transplancentaria, that most young infants have. A candidate subunit vaccine for RSV consists of the fusion glycoprotein (F) purified from cultures of cells infected with RSV and purified by immunoaffinity or ion exchange chromatography, as already described (ref 8). Parenteral immunization of seronegative or seropositive chimpanzees with this preparation was carried out and three doses of 50 μg were required in seronegative animals to induce a RSV-neutralizing serum titre of about 1:50. After a subsequent inoculum of these animals with the wild type RSV, no effect of the immunization on the clinical disease could be detected or the virus shedding could be detected in the upper respiratory tract. The effect of immunization with this vaccine on virus shedding in the lower respiratory tract was not investigated, although this is the site where the serum antibody induced by parenteral immunization is expected to have its greatest effect. Immunogenicity safety studies P976 have already been carried out in a small number of seropositive individuals. The vaccine was found safe in seropositive children and in three seronegative children (all >; 2.4 years). The effects of immunization on upper respiratory disease could not be determined due to the small number of immunized children. An immunizing dose in seropositive children induced a 4-fold increase in neutralizing antibody titers in 40 to 60% of those vaccinated. Therefore, sufficient information is not found from these small studies to evaluate the efficacy of the vaccine against RSV-induced disease. An additional problem faced by subunit RSV vaccines is the possibility of inoculating the seronegative subjects with immunogenic preparations that could cause a reinforcement of the disease. In vaccination of infants in 1960 with an RSV preparation inactivated with formalin (FI-RSV), a reinforced lung disease was obtained during the subsequent exposure to a live virus, also referred to as immunopotentiation (refs 9, 10). These vaccinates developed strong serological responses, but were not protected against infection and some developed severe respiratory disease, which occasionally was fatal, during a natural infection. Although the precise mechanism is not yet known, P976 it has been suggested that this form of immune reinforcement could reflect either structural alterations of the RSV antigens (ref 11), residual serum and / or cellular contaminants (ref, 12) a specific property of the viral binding protein (G) (refs., 13, 14) or an imbalanced, cell-mediated immune response (refs 13, 15). The FI-RSV vaccine has been shown to induce a TH2-type immune response in mice, whereas immunization with live RSV, which did not cause immunopotentiation, produces a THL response (ref 15). In some studies, the immune response to immunization with a synthetic FG RSV fusion protein resulted in a reinforcement of the disease in rodents, similar to that induced by a formalin inactivated RSV vaccine. Immunization of the mice with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the RSV G protein resulted in G-specific T cell responses in the lungs that flare up exclusively from the CD4 + I cell sublineage and deviate markedly to Th2. G-specific T cells induce pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary neutrophilic recrudescence (pulmonary shock), intense pulmonary eosinophilia, and sometimes death in adoptively transferred murine vessels (ref 14). The association of immunization with the reinforcement of the disease using certain vaccine repairs, including non-replicating antigens, suggests caution in the use of seronegative human vaccines. Live attenuated vaccines against diseases caused by RSV may be promising for two main reasons. First, infection with a live vaccine virus induced a balanced immune response comprising mucosal and serum antibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Secondly, the infection of infants with live candidate attenuated vaccines or with naturally acquired wild type viruses is not associated with a reinforced disease after the subsequent natural reinfection. It is a challenge to produce live attenuated vaccines that are immunogenic for young infants who have maternal antibodies neutralizing viruses and who are also attenuated for seronegative infants from 6 months of age. The attenuated live virus vaccines also present the risk of genetic instability and residual virulence. Injections of plasmid DNA containing seceences encoding an external protein have been shown to result in the expression of foreign proteins and the induction of antibody responses and T lymphocyte (CTL) responses to the antigen in several studies (see, for example. refs. 16, 17, 18). the use of plasmid DNA inoculation to express viral proteins for the purpose of immunization can offer several advantages over the strategies summarized above. First, the DNA encoding a viral antigen can be introduced in the presence of antibodies in the virus itself, without loss of potency due to the neutralization of the viruses by the antibodies. Second, the antigen expressed in vivo must exhibit a native conformation and adequate glycosylation. Therefore, the antigen must induce an antibody response similar to that induced by the antigen present in wild type virus infection. In contrast, some processes used in the purification of proteins can induce conformational changes that can cause the loss of immunogenicity of protective epitopes and possible immunopotentiation. Third, the expression of the proteins from injected plasmid DNAs can be detected in vivo in a considerably longer period of time than for the cells infected with virus, and this has the theoretical advantage of a prolonged induction of the cytotoxic T cell and reinforced anticerpo responses. Fourth, the in vivo expression of the antigen may provide protection against the need for an extrinsic adjuvant.

The ability to immunize against the disease caused by RSV by the administration of the DNA molecule encoding an RSV G protein was unknown before the present invention. In particular, the efficiency of immunization against RSV-induced disease using a gene encoding a secreted form of the RSV G protein was unknown. Infection with RSV causes serious illness. It would be useful and desirable to provide isolated genes encoding RSV G protein and non-replicating vectors, including plasmid vectors, for administration in vivo and for use in immunogenic preparations, including vaccines, for protection against RSV-induced disease. and for the generation of diagnostic reagents and diagnostic kits. In particular, it would be desirable to provide vaccines that are immunogenic and protective for humans, including seronegative infants, and that do not cause reinforcement of the disease (immunopotentiation).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for immunizing a host against the disease caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, it also refers to non-replicating vectors containing nucleic acid molecules used in immunogenic compositions for that purpose, and also refers to diagnostic procedure that uses the vectors and nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the present invention is directed to providing nucleic acid vaccines that encode the G protein of the respiratory syncytial virus. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an immunogenic composition for administration in vivo, to a host, for the generation therein of protective antibodies against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) G protein, the composition comprises a vector non-replicating consisting of: a first nucleotide sequence encoding an RSV G protein or an RSV G protein fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with the RSV G protein; a promoter sequence operably coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for the expression of the G protein of RSV in the host, and a second nucleotide sequence located between the first sequence of nuecleotides and the promoter sequence to increase the expression of the G protein of RSV in vivo, from the vector in the host, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. The first nucleotide sequence can be one that encodes a full-length RSV G protein. The first nucleotide sequence may comprise the nucleotide sequence shown in Figure 2 (SEQ ID No: 1) or may encode a full-length RSV G protein having the amino acid sequence shown in Figure 2 (SEQ ID no: 2). Alternatively, the first nucleotide sequence can be that which codes for an RSV G protein from which the transmembrane coding sequence and the upstream sequences thereof are absent. The first nucleotide sequence encoding the truncated RSV G protein may comprise the nucleotide sequence shown in Figure 3 (SEQ ID no: 3) or may comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding the RSV G protein truncated having the amino acid sequence shown in Figure 3 (SEQ ID no: 4). The lack of expression of the transmembrane region results in a secreted form of the RSV G protein. The non-replicating vector can further comprise a nucleotide sequence coding for a heterologous signal peptide immediately upstream of the 5 'end of the first nucleotide sequence .. The coding sequence of the signal peptide can encode the signal peptide of the plasminogen activator of human tissue . The promoter sequence can be an immediate early promoter of cytomegalovirus (CMV). The second nucleotide sequence may comprise Intron A of human cytomegalovirus. The non-replicating vector in general is a plasmid vector. Plasmid vectors code for the G protein and included in the immunogenic composition that provides this aspect of the present invention, can be specifically pXL5 or pXL6, constructed and having their characterizing elements as seen in Figures 4 or 5, respectively. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for immunizing a host against a disease caused by infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) comprising administering to the host an effective amount of a non-replicating vector comprising: a first nucleotide sequence that encodes an RSV G protein or an RSV G protein fragment that generates antibodies that react specifically with the RSV G protein; P976 a promoter sequence operably coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for the expression of the RSV G protein in the host, and a second nucleotide sequence located between the first sequence of nuecleotides and the promoter sequence to increase the expression of the G protein of RSV in vivo, from the vector in the host. The immunization method can be performed to induce a balanced Thl / Th2 immune response. The present invention also includes a novel method for using a gene encoding a G protein or a fragment thereof, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that generates antibodies that specifically react with the RSV G protein to protect a host against the disease caused by the infection with the respiratory syncytial virus, which comprises: isolating the gene; operably linking the gene with at least one control sequence to produce a non-replicating vector, the control sequence directs the expression of the RSV G protein when the vector is introduced into the host to produce an immune response against the G protein of RSV, and introduce the vector inside the host.

P976 The method that is provided according to this aspect of the invention may include the steps of: operably linking the gene with an immunoprotection enhancer sequence to produce enhanced immunoprotection by the RSV G protein in the host, preferably by introducing the enhanced immunoprotection sequence between the control sequence and the gene, including introducing CpG immunostimulatory sequences into the vector. In addition, the present invention includes a method for producing a vaccine for the protection of a host against disease caused by infection with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which comprises: isolating a first nucleotide sequence coding for an RSV G protein or a fragment of RSV G protein that generates antibodies that react specifically with the G protein of RSV; operably linking to the first nucleotide sequence with at least one control sequence to produce a non-replicating vector, the control sequence directs the expression of the RSV G protein when introduced into a host to produce an immune response against the G protein of RSV, when expressed in vivo from the vector in a host; P976 operably linking the first nucleotide sequence with a second nucleotide sequence to increase the expression of the RSV G protein in vivo, from the vector in a host; and formulating the vector as a vaccine for administration in vivo. The vector can be a plasmid vector selected from pXL5 and pXL6. The invention further includes a vaccine for the administration of a host, which includes a human host, produced by this method. As noted previously, the vectors provided herein are useful for diagnostic applications. In a further aspect of the present invention, there is thus provided a method for determining the presence of the G protein of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in a sample, comprising the steps of: (a) immunizing a host with a non-replicating vector to produce antibodies specific for the RSV G protein, the non-replicating vector comprises a first nucleotide sequence that encodes an RSV G protein or for an RSV G protein fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with the protein G of RSV, a promoter sequence operably coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for P976 the expression of the RSV G protein in the host and a nucleotide sequence located between the first nucleotide sequence and the promoter sequence to increase the expression of the RSV G protein in vivo from the vector in the host; (b) isolate the RSV G protein specific antibodies; (c) contacting the sample with the isolated antibodies to produce complexes comprising an RSV G protein present in the sample and the antibodies specific for the RSV G protein; and (d) determine the production of the complexes. The non-replicating vector used to produce the antibodies can be a plasmid vector pXL5 or pXL6. The invention also includes the diagnostic kit for detecting the presence of the G protein of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in a sample, comprising. (a) a non-replicating vector capable of generating antibodies specific for the RSV G protein, when administered to a host, the non-replicating vector comprises a first nucleotide sequence encoding an RSV G protein or a fragment of the same, that generates antibodies that specifically react with the G protein of RSV, a promoter sequence coupled P976 operatively to the first nucleotide sequence for the expression of the RSV G protein in a host, and a second nucleotide sequence located between the first nucleotide sequence and the promoter sequence to increase the expression of the RSV G protein in vivo from the vector in the host; (b) an insulating medium for isolating the RSV G protein specific antibodies; (c) a contact means for contacting the isolated RSV G protein-specific antibodies with the sample to produce a complex comprising any RSV G protein present in the sample and the antibodies specific for the G protein of RSV; and (d) identify a means to determine the production of the complex. The present invention is also directed to a method for producing antibodies specific for a G protein of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) comprising: (a) immunizing a host with an effective amount of a non-replicating vector to produce antibodies specific for G protein of RSV, the non-replicating vector comprises: a first nucleotide sequence that encodes a P976 RSV G protein or a fragment of the RSV G protein, which generate antibodies that react specifically with the G protein of RSV; a promoter sequence operably coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for the expression of the RSV G protein in the host; and a second nucleotide sequence located between the first nucleotide sequence and the promoter sequence to increase the expression of the RSV G protein in vivo from the vector in the host; and (b) isolating RSV G-specific antibodies from the host. The present invention is also directed to a method for producing monoclonal antibodies specific for a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) G protein comprising the steps of: (a) constructing a vector comprising a first nucleotide sequence encoding a protein G of RSV or a fragment thereof, which generates antibodies that react specifically with the RSV G protein, a promoter sequence operably coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for the expression of the RSV G protein in the host at the host and a second nucleotide sequence located between the first nucleotide sequence and the promoter sequence for P976 increase the expression of the RSV G protein when expressed in vivo from the vector in a host; (b) administering the vector to at least one mouse to produce at least one immunized mouse; (c) removing B lymphocytes from at least one immunized mouse; (d) fusing the B lymphocytes from at least one mouse immunized with myeloma cells, thus producing hybridomas; (e) cloning the hybridomas; (f) selecting the clones that produce the anti-G protein RSV antibodies; (g) culturing the clones producing anti-G protein antibodies of RSV; and (h) isolating anti-RSV G protein monoclonal antibodies. These monoclonal antibodies can be used to purify the RSV G protein from viruses. In this application, the term "RSV G protein" is used to define the full-length RSV G protein, these proteins have variations in their amino acid sequences, including those that occur in several strains of RSV, a secreted form the RSV G protein lacking the transmembrane region, as well as the functional analogues of the RSV G protein.

P976 In this application, a first protein is a "functional analogue" of a second protein, if the first protein is immunologically related to the second protein and / or has the same function as this one. The functional analog may be a substitution, addition, or immunologically active deletion mutant or an immunologically active protein fragment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The present invention will be better understood from the following general description and from the examples in relation to the figures of the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a restriction map of the gene coding for a protein G of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); Figure 2 illustrates the nucleotide sequence of a gene encoding a G-protein form of the respiratory syncytial virus (SEQ ID No: 1) bound to the membrane, as well as the amino acid sequence of the RSV G protein. is encoded by this (SEQ ID No: 2); Figure 3 illustrates the nucleotide sequence of a gene encoding the secreted form of the RSV G protein lacking the transmembrane domain (SEQ.

P976 ID No: 3) as well as the amino acid sequence of a truncated RSV G protein lacking the transmembrane domain encoded thereby (SEQ ID No: 4); Figure 4 shows the construction of plasmid pXL5 which contains a gene encoding a full-length membrane binding form of the RSV G protein and containing the Intron A sequence of CMV; Figure 5 shows the construction of plasmid pXL6 which contains a gene coding for a secreted form of the RSV G protein lacking the transmembrane domain and containing the CMV Intron A sequence as well as the nucleotide sequence coding for a human tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) signal peptide; Figure 6 shows the nucleotide sequence for the plasmid VR-1012 (SEQ ID No: 5); Figure 7 shows the nucleotide sequence for the 5 'untranslated region and the human tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) signal peptide (SEQ ID No: 6) and Figure 8 shows the expression profile of pulmonary cytokine in mice immunized with DNA after RSV inoculation.

P976 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As already mentioned, the present invention relates in general to polynucleotides, including DNA, with immunization to obtain protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and with diagnostic procedures that use particular vectors not replicants. In the present invention, several recombinant plasmid vectors were constructed to contain a nucleotide sequence coding for an RSV G protein. The nucleotide sequence of the full length RSV G gene is shown in Figure 2 (SEQ ID No: 1). Some constructs provided herein include the nucleotide sequence encoding the full length RSV G protein (SEQ ID No: 2), while others include an RSV G protein gene modified by the deletion of the transmembrane coding sequence and of the nucleotides upstream thereof (see Figure 3, SEQ ID No: 3), to produce a secreted or truncated RSV G protein, which lacks the transmembrane domain (SEQ ID No: 4). The nucleotide sequence coding for the RSV G protein is operatively coupled to a promoter sequence for the expression of the encoded RSV G protein in vivo. The promoter sequence can be P976 the immediately early cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. This promoter is described in ref 19. Any other suitable promoter may be used, including constitutive promoters such as the Rous Sarcoma virus LTRs and inducible promoters, for example metallothionine promoter and tissue specific promoters. The non-replicating vectors provided herein, when administered to an animal in the form of an immunogenic composition with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, effect expression of the RSV G protein in vivo, as demonstrated by the antibody response in the animal to which they are administered. These antibodies can be used here in the detection of the RSV protein in a sample, as described in greater detail below. The administration of non-replicating vectors, specifically plasmids pXL5 and pXL6, produced anti-G antibodies, virus neutralizing antibodies, a balanced Th1 / Th2 response in post-viral pulmonary inoculation and conferred protection in mice against live RSV infection, as seen in the following examples . The recombinant vector could also include a second nucleotide sequence located adjacent to the nucleotide sequence coding for the G protein of P976 RSV in order to reinforce the immunoprotective ability of the RSV G protein when expressed in vivo in a host. This reinforcement can be provided by increasing the expression in vivo, for example, by increasing the stability of the mRNA, by reinforcing the transcription and / or translation. This additional sequence is generally located between the promoter sequence and the coding sequence of the RSV G protein. This reinforcement sequence may comprise an immediately early Intron A sequence of cytomegalovirus. The non-replicating vector provided herein also comprises an additional nucleotide sequence encoding another antigen from RSV, an antigen from at least one other pathogen or at least one immunomodulating agent, eg cytokine. This vector may contain the additional nucleotide sequence in a chimeric or bicistronic structure. Alternatively, vectors containing the additional nucleotide sequence can be constructed separately and co-administered to a host together with the non-replicating vectors provided herein. The non-replicating vector may further comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a heterologous, viral or eukaryotic signal peptide, for example the tissue plasminogen activator signal peptide.

Human P976 (TPA), in place of the endogenous signal peptide for the truncated RSV G protein. This nucleotide sequence can be located immediately upstream of the coding sequence of the RSV G protein in the vector. The immunogenicity of non-replicating DNA vectors can be enhanced by inserting the immunostimulatory CpG sequences into the vector. It is evident to one skilled in the art that various embodiments of the present invention can have many applications in the fields of vaccination, diagnosis and treatment of RSV infections. An additional and non-limiting analysis of these uses is provided below. 1. Preparation of the vaccine AND USE Immunogenic compositions suitable for use as vaccines, can be prepared from the RSV G genes and vectors as set forth herein. The vaccine produces an immune response in an animal, which includes the production of anti-G antibodies from RSV. Immunogenic compositions, including vaccines, which contain the nucleic acid, can be prepared as injectable substances in physiologically acceptable liquid solutions or in emulsions as well.

P976 physiologically acceptable for the administration of the polynucleotide. The nucleic acid may be associated with liposomes, for example lecithin, liposomes or other liposomes known in the art, as well as nucleic acid liposomes (for example as described in WO 9324640, ref 20) or the nucleic acid may be associated with an adjuvant, as described in more detail below. Liposomes comprising cationic lipids spontaneously and rapidly with polyanions, for example DNA and RNA, originating liposome / nucleic acid complexes that capture up to 100% of the polynucleotide. In addition, the polycationic complexes fuse with cell membranes, causing an intracellular delivery of the polynucleotide that deviates from the degradative enzymes of the lysosome compartment. Published PCT Application WO 94/27435 describes compositions for genetic immunization comprising cationic lipids and polynucleotides. Agents that aid in the cellular absorption of nucleic acids, for example calcium ions, viral proteins and other transfection facilitating agents, can be usefully employed. Immunogenic polynucleotide preparations can also be formulated as microcapsules, including biodegradable release particles over time. Therefore, U.S. Patent No. 5,151,264 P976 describes a particulate carrier of the phospholipid / glycolipid / polysaccharide nature which has been termed Bio Vecteurs Supra Moleculaires (BVSM). The particulate carriers are intended to transport a variety of molecules that have immunological variety in one of the layers thereof. U.S. Patent No. 5,075, 109 describe the encapsulation of staphylococcal B entotoxin and trinitrophenylated keyhole limpet hemocyanin antigens in 50:50 poly (DL-lactideco-glycolide). Other polymers for the encapsulation that are suggested for encapsulation are: poly (glycolide), poly (DL-lactide-co-glucolides), polyoxalates, polycaprolatone, poly (lactide-co-caprolactone), poly (esteramides), polyorthoesters and poly (8-hydroxybutyric acid), and polyanhydrides. PCT publication publication publication WO 91/06282 describes a delivery vehicle comprising a plurality of bioadhesive microspheres and antigens. The microspheres are starch, gelatin, dextran, collagen or albumin. This delivery vehicle is particularly intended for the absorption of vaccines through the nasal mucosa. The delivery vehicle may also contain an absorption boost. The RSV G gene containing non-replicating vectors can be mixed with excipients P976 pharmaceutically acceptable which are compatible therewith. These excipients may include water, saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol, and combinations thereof. The immunogenic compositions and vaccines may additionally contain auxiliary substances, for example wetting agents or hemulsifiers, pH regulating agents or adjuvants to improve the effectiveness thereof. Immunogenic compositions and vaccines can be administered parenterally, by subcutaneous, intravenous, intradermal or intramuscular injection, possibly after treatment of the injection site with a local anesthetic. Alternatively, the immunogenic compositions formed according to the present invention can be formulated and administered so as to evoke an immune response at the mucosal surfaces. Thus, the immunogenic composition can be administered to the mucosal surfaces, for example, by nasal or oral (intragastric) routes. Alternatively, other modes of administration that include suppositories and oral formulations may be desirable. For suppositories, binders and carriers can include, for example, polyalkylene glycols or triglycerides. Oral formulations may include excipients that are normally used, such as saccharin, cellulose and P976 pharmaceutical grade calcium carbonate. Immunogenic preparations and vaccines are administered in a manner compatible with the dosage formulation and in such an amount as to be therapeutically effective, protective and immunogenic. The amount to be administered depends on the subject to be treated, including, for example, the ability of the individual's immune system to synthesize the RSV G protein and antibodies against it, and, if necessary, to produce a cell-mediated immune response. . The precise amounts of the active ingredient need to be administered depending on the judgment of the doctor. However, suitable dose ranges can be readily determined by one skilled in the art and can be in the order of about 1 μg to about 2 mg of the vectors containing the gene for the RSV G protein. Suitable regimens for initial administration and for booster doses are also variable, but may include an initial administration followed by subsequent administrations. The dose may also depend on the route of administration and will vary according to the size of the host. A vaccine that protects against only one pathogen is a monovalent vaccine. Vaccines containing antigenic material of various pathogens are combined vaccines and also belong to the P976 present invention. These combined vaccines contain, for example, material from various pathogens or from various strains of the same pathogen or combinations of various pathogens. Immunogenicity can be significantly improved if the vectors are coadministered with adjuvants, commonly used as solutions of 0.05 to 0.1 percent in phosphate-buffered saline. The adjuvants reinforce the immunogenicity of an antigen but are not necessarily themselves immunogenic. The adjuvants can act by locally retaining the antigen near the site of administration to produce a depot effect that facilitates a slow and sustained release of the antigen to the cells of the immune system. Adjuvants can also attract cells and the immune system to an antigen deposit and stimulate these cells to produce immune responses. Immunostimulatory agents or adjuvants of this type have been used for many years to improve host immune responses to, for example, vaccines. In this way, adjuvants have been identified that reinforce the immunological response against antigens. Some of these adjuvants are toxic and can cause undesirable side effects by making them P976 unsuitable for use in humans and many animals. Indeed, only aluminum hydroxide and aluminum phosphate (collectively referred to as aluminas) are routinely used as adjuvants in human and veterinary vaccines. A wide range of extrinsic adjuvants and other immunomodulatory materials can elicit potent immune responses to antigens. These include saponins complexed with membrane protein antigens to produce immunostimulatory complexes (ISCOMS), pluronic polymers with mineral oil, mycobacteria killed in mineral oil, Freund's complete adjuvant, bacterial products, such as muramyl dipeptide (MDP) and lipopolysaccharides. (LPS) as well as monoforil lipid A, QS 21 and polyphosphase. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the non-replicating vector comprising a first nucleotide sequence encoding an RSV G protein can be administered together with a target molecule to direct the vector to the selected cells, including cells of the immune system. The immunogenicity of the non-replicating vector can be enhanced by co-administering plasmid DNA vectors expressing cytosines or chemokines or by co-expression of P976 these molecules in a bis-cistronic or fusion construct. The non-replicating vector can be administered to the host by a variety of procedures, for example, Tang et al (ref: 21) stated that the introduction of gold microprojectiles coated with DNA encoding bovine growth hormone (BGH) to the skin of mice caused the production of anti-BGH antibodies in the mouse, while Furth et al. (ref 22) showed that a jet injector could be used to transfect the skin, muscle, fat and breast tissues of living animals. 2. Immunoassays The genes for the RSV G protein and the vectors of the present invention are also useful as immunogens for the generation of anti-G antibodies for use in immunoassays, including the immunosorbent assay linked above (ELISA), the RIAs and other assays. antibody binding assays not linked in enzymes or procedures known in the art. In ELISA assays, the non-replicating vector is first administered to a host to generate antibodies specific for the RSV G protein. These RSV-specific antibodies for G are immobilized on a selected surface, for example a P976 surface capable of binding the antibodies, such as the cavities of a microtiter plate made of polystyrene. After washing to remove the non-absorbed antibodies, a non-specific protein, such as the bovine serum albumin solution (BSA) known to be antigenically neutral to the test sample, can bind to the selected surface. This allows the blocking of non-specific adsorption sites on the immobilizing surface and thus reduces the background caused by non-specific binding of antisera on the surface. The immobilizing surface is then contacted with a sample, for example clinical or biological material, which is to be tested in such a way as to lead to the formation of an immune complex (antigen / antibody). This procedure may include diluting the sample with diluents, for example BSA solutions, bovine gamma globulin (BGG) and / or phosphate-buffered saline.

(PBS) / Tween. The sample is allowed to conceal from about 2 to 4 hours at temperatures in the order of about 20 ° to 37 ° C. After incubation, the surface in contact with the sample is washed to remove the nonimmunocomplexed material. The washing process may include washing with a solution, for example PBS / Tween or a borate regulator. After the P976 formation of specific immunocomplexes between the test sample and the ligated antibodies specific for the RSV G protein, and subsequent washing, the occurrence and even the amount of immunocomplex formation can be determined.CAL MATERIALS Some plasmids containing the gene coding for the RSV G protein and referenced here have been deposited with the American Culture Collection (ATCC) located at 12301 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Maryland, 208523, USA, according to the Budapest treaty and prior to the submission of this application. Samples of the deposited plasmids will be available to the public at the time of granting a patent based on this United States patent application, and all restrictions on deposit access will be withdrawn at that time. Samples of the deposited plasmids will be replaced if the depository agency is unable to provide viable samples. The invention described and claimed herein is not limited in scope by the plasmids deposited, since the deposited mode is intended only to be an illustration of the invention. Any similar plasmid or P976 equivalent coding for similar antigens or equivalents as those described in this application, is within the scope of the invention.

Plasmid ATCC Designation Deposit Date pKL5 209143 July 16, 1997 pXL6 2091244 July 16, 1997 EXAMPLE The above discussion generally describes the present invention. A more complete understanding can be obtained in relation to the specific examples that continue. These examples are described for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes in the form and substitution of equivalents are considered as circumstances that may suggest or provide better results. Although specific terms have been used herein, these terms are intended to be descriptive and in no way restrictive. The methods of molecular genetics, protein biochemistry and immunology that are used but not explicitly described in this exhibit and in the examples are widely reported in the scientific literature and are well known to experts in this field.

P976 field, Example 1 This example describes the construction of vectors containing the gene for RSV G protein. Figure 1 shows a restriction map of the gene encoding the G protein of the respiratory syncytial virus and Figure 2 shows the nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding the full-length RSV G protein (SEQ ID No: 1) and the deduced amino acid sequence (SEQ ID No: 2). Figure 3 shows the genes encoding the secreted RSV G protein (SEQ ID No: 3) and the deduced amino acid sequence (SEQ ID No. 4). The plasmids pXL5 (Figure 4) was prepared for expression of the full-length RSV G protein in the following manner: A recombinant Bluescript plasmid (RSV G12) containing the cDNA encoding the full-length G protein of a Isolated clinical RSV (subgroup A) was used to construct vectors for immunization with RSV-G DNA. The RSV G12 protein was digested with aflIII and EcoRI and added to the Klenow subunit of DNA polymerase. The resulting 1.23 kb fragment containing the coding sequence for the G protein of P976 full length was gel purified and ligated with VR-1012 (Vical) (Figure 6) previously linearized with EcoRV. This proce placed the RSV G cDNA downstream of the immediate cytomegalovirus (CMV) early promoter and the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) Intron A sequences and upstream of the bovine growth hormone poly-A (BGH) site. The junctions of the cDNA fragments in the plasmid construction were confirmed by sequencing analysis. The resulting plasmid was designated pxL5. Plasmid pXL6 (Figure 5) was prepared for the expression of a secretory RSV protein G in the following manner: RSV G12 was digested with ECORI, added to Klenow and digested again with BamHI. The BAMHI cleavage resulted in the generation of the cDNA fragment encoding the RSV G protein with an N-terminal truncation. The DNA segment was gel purified and ligated in the presence of a pair of 11 mer oligodeoxynucleotides (5 'GATCCACTCAG 3') (SEQ IN no: 7). 3 'GTGAGTCCTAG_5_' (SEQ ID no: 8) for VR-1020 (Vical) previously digested with BglII, added to Klenow, digested again with BamHI and gel purified. This procedure placed the truncated RSV G-cDNA (lacking the coding region for the 91 residues of P976 N-terminal amino acids including the transmembrane domain) downstream of the immediate early CMV promoter and the human CMV Intron A sequences and upstream of the BGH poly-A site- In addition, there was the introduction of approximately 100 base pairs of a 5 'untranslated region and the coding sequence for the signal peptide of the human plasminogen activator protein (Figure 7) fused in frame with the N-terminus of the coding sequence of the RSV G protein downstream of the sequences of the CMV / Intron A promoter. The junctions of the cDNA fragments in the plasmid construction were confirmed by sequencing analysis. The resulting plasmid was designated pXL6.

Example 2 This example describes the immunization of mice. The mice are susceptible to RSV infection as described in ref. 24. Plasmid DNA was purified through double CsCl centrifugations. For intramuscular (im) immunization it was injected bilaterally into the anterior cibialis muscles of BALB / c mice (male, 6 to 8 weeks old) (Jackson Lab., Bar Harbor, ME, USA), 2 x 50μg (lμg / μL in PBS) of either pXL5, pXL6 or V-1012. Five days before the injection with DNA, the P976 muscles were treated with 2 x 50μL (10 μM in PBS) of cardiotoxin (Latoxan, France) to increase DNA uptake and enhance immune responses, as reported by Davis et al (ref 23). Animals were inoculated with the same dose of plasmid DNA 6 at 6 and 13 weeks later, respectively. For intradermal immunization (i.d.), 100 μg of the plasmid DNA (2 μg / μL in PBS) was injected into the base of the tail and inoculated respectively at 6 and 13 weeks thereafter. Mice from the positive control group were immunized in intranasal (i.n.) form with 10 ^ plaque forming units (pfu) of a clinical RSV strain of subtype A2 cultured in Hep2 cells, kindly provided by Dr. B.

Graham (ref 24). Four weeks after the third immunization, the mice were inoculated intranasally with 10o "pfu of RSV strain A2.The lungs were aseptically removed 4 days later, weighed and homogenized in 2 mL of the complete culture medium (ref 25) The number of pfu in the lung homogenates was determined in duplicate as previously described (ref.26) using Vero quality vaccine cells.

Example 3 This example describes the immunogenicity and P976 protection by immunization by immunization of polynucleotides. Antisera obtained from immunized mice were analyzed from the RSV anti-G IgG antibody titers using specific immunosorbent-linked assay (ELISA) and for the plate-reduction titers specific for RSV. The ELISAs were used using plates of 96 cavities coated with RSV protein G purified by immunoaffinity (50 ng / mL) and serial dilutions to twice the immunological sera. A goat anti-mouse IgG antibody conjugated with alkaline phosphatase (Jackson ImmunoRes., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) was used as a secondary antibody. The plaque reduction titers were determined according to Prince et al (ref.26) using Vero quality vaccine cells. Serial dilutions were incubated at four times the immune sera with 50 pfu of long RSV strain (ATCC) in the culture medium at 30 ° C for 1 hour in the presence of 5% CO2 and the mixtures were used to infect Vero cells. Plates were fixed with 80% methanol and developed 5 days later using an RSV monoclonal anti-F IgGl antibody and a donkey anti-mouse IgG antibody conjugated with peroxidase (Jackson ImmunoRes., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada). The specific plate reduction title for RSV was defined as the P976 dilution of the serum sample that provides 60% reduction in plate number. The reduction assays for both ELISA and plaque were carried out in duplicate and the data were expressed as the average of two determinations. The results obtained are reproduced in the following Table I and II: Table I. Immunogenicity of DNA-G in BALB / c Mice Reduction Title Title of IgG Anti-G of RSV n of (Loq 2 (titer / 100) Specific Plate for RSV Immunogen 6 months 10 months 17 months (Title Log 2) 17 weeks VR-1012 (im) 0.00 ± 0.00 0.00 ± 0.00 0.00 ± 0.00 0.00 ± 0.00 pXL5 (im) 3.10 ± 2.77 9.70 ± 1.06 8.60 ± 1.17 5.40 ± 1.65 pXL6 (im) 5.78 ± 1.20 9.30 ± 0.82 8.89 ± 1.54 7.26 ± 0.82 pXL5 (id) 1.50 ± 1.27 8.60 ± 1.43 8.30 ± 1.25 7.92 ± 0.59 pXL6 (id) 3.70 ± 1.25 10.30 ± 1.06 9.44 ± 1.24 6.92 ± 0.94 RSV (i.n.) 6.83 ± 0.41 9.67 ± 0.52 9.83 ± 0.41 11.80 ± 0.08 P976 Table II. Immunoprotective ability of DNA-G in mice Immunogen No. of Media Title of No. of Virus in Lung * Mice Mice (pfu / g lung) (Log Totally 10 ± SD) Protected # VR-1012 (im) 6 4.81 ± 0.01 0 pXL5 (im) 6 0.29 ± 0.90 5 pXL6 (im) 6 0.40 ± 1.20 5 pXL5 (id) 6 0.30 ± 1.10 5 pXL6 (id) 6 0.29 ± 0.90 5 RSV (in ) 6 0.00 ± 0.00 * Sensitivity of the test: 101.96 pfu / g lung. # The term, fully protected mice, refers to animals that have no detectable RSV in the lungs 4 days after viral inoculation.

As seen in Table I, the plasmids pXL5 and pXL6 were immunogenic after immunization either i.m. or i.d. producing anti-G antibodies and virus neutralizing antibodies. In addition, as seen in Table II, plasmids pXL5 and pXL6 protected immunized mice against primary RSV infection of the lower respiratory tract. The control vector did not produce an immune response and did not confer P976 protection.

Example 4 This example describes the determination of the local expression profile of lung cytosine in mice immunized with pXL5 and pXL6 after inoculation with RSV. BALB / c mice Were immunized at 0 and 6 weeks with lOOμg of pXL5 and 6, were prepared as described in Example 1 and inoculated with i.n. RSV. at 10 weeks. The control animals were immunized with placebo PI-RSV and with live RSV and inoculated with RSV according to the same protocol. In addition, the animals were immunized with pXL2, as described in copending U.S. Patent Application No. 08 / 476,397 filed June 7, 1995 (WO 96/40945) and inoculated with RSV, also following the same protocol. Four days after viral inoculation, the lungs were removed from the immunized mice and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. Total RNA was prepared from homogenates of lungs in TRIzol / β-mercaptoethanol by extraction of chloroform and precipitation with isopropanol. The polymerase-reverse transcriptase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out on the RNA samples using any of the P976 specific primers IL-4, IL-5 or IFN-? of CloneTech. The amplified products were then hybridized with zones labeled with 32 specific for CloneTech cytosine, resolved on 5% polyacrylamide gel and quantified by scanning the radioactive signals on the gels. Three mouse lungs were removed from each treatment group and analyzed for lung cytosine expression by a minimum of two times. The data are presented in Figure 8 and represent the means and standard deviations of these determinations. As can be seen from the data presented in Figure 8: 1. Immunization with live intranasal RSV (in) resulted in a balanced cytosine profile (IFN- ?, IL-4 and IL-5), whereas with FI-RSV intramuscular (im) Th2 predominance (high IL-4 and IL-5) these results are similar to those reported in the literature. 2. Immunization with pXL5 or pXL6 by any of the i.m. or intradermal (i.d.) originated a balanced cytosine profile similar to that obtained with live RSV immunization. 3. The magnitude of the cytosine responses with pXL6 (G of RSV) i.m. and pXL2 (RSV F) using the P976 construction that expresses a secretory form of the protein (SEC) is significantly higher than for immunization with live RSV. 4. The magnitude of the cytosine response with immunization with pXL5 using constructs expressing an RSV G protein associated with the membrane, full-length (MA) and pXL6 i.d. it was somewhat superior than that obtained with live RSV immunization. 5. The balanced local cytosine response observed with immunization with DNA-G contrasts with that reported by Openshaw et al (ref 13). Using a recombinant vaccinia virus that expresses G protein, these researchers reported a Th2 response locality through the analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage. The results of the present, which were obtained through a monogenic approach, indicated that the Th2 response is not necessarily an intrinsic property of the G protein. 1. McXntoßh X., canock, R.M .. I? \ Fields, N, ttnipa, DNU ediJ.oxs'. VimJ_ogy. New York: Raven Press: 19901 1S_? 5-? 2 2. Hßilman, C.A., J. XnJtoet. & i *. 19W > , 161: "02 to 406, 3 .. ^ tarr s: t! W, Sullander WM., Biotecfanology 19901 2 & 151-176 4. Murphy ,. B. £. et * __, 1 £ _4, Vi a »Reß. 32: 13-36.

. I »evis_e, S., TRleiber-France, R., and Paradißo., P.S, (1 * 87) J. Gen. Virol. 69. 2J »2L-2.S24_ 6. Anderson .. X.,« 3 r i rholeer, J.C. , Tso, C, Hendry, R..V-. , Ptmie, SF, Stope, Y- and Mclntoab .. X. ("1985.}. J. In. Dis. 15L,". £ - € 3.3, .7 Johaßon et * 3. "J. Virol 1967, 61: 3163-3166 a.CtC * »*. A. ?, ,, Vaccinβ 199S, 13» 41S-421 9. Kapikian, A.2. ßt 3.96,? »3. Epidemiol B9: , 405-421,. . Id. Ki.ii ,, H.- »., ßt to 1969 A. J_ > idemiol- B9; 422-434. 11. Murphy, B.R. ßt al 1986 J. Clin. Microbiol. 24 í 197-203. 1. Vaux-Peretz, P. et al 1992 Vaccio * 10. • 213-216. 13. Openshaw < p "ISS5 Spxingar- ^ arain Itmamopathol. 37. - 187-261. V4 Alwan et al 1994 J. 3? J? / * A-.?5. 15. Oraham * B.S .. 19ftS Asu. J.- Hespir. Crit-Care Med. 232: 563- 17. MO 94/21797 18. TJltner, Current qp? », J-Tvest Drugs. 1993, 2: 983-989 19. Chapman, B.S.? Thayer, R.M. V ± nrant, X.A. a? td Haigwood, N. * Hual. Iveida Stea 1991, 19: 3979- 3.9B6.

P976 20. Nabel, G.J. 199 Proc-? . Ac * d. Sci. USA 9Q: 21. Iang ßt al., Nature 1992, 356: 152-154 22. Furth at al. Analytieal Bi? Cbexaájitx? ', 1992, 2 &5? 2 $. Daviß at al ,, Vaccine 1994, 12: 1503-1509 24. araham, B.S.j Pf_rk _? _ S M.D. t > Wright, P.F. ancf Kaxtßo., ü. . 3. ttoó Virol. 1988 26 »1S3-162. 25. Dü, .P et al. 1994., Bio Technology 12: 613-818, 26. Prince, G.A, et al, J.970. Ana. J. A »fchs2. 93: 771-740.

SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE In summary, this invention provides certain novel non-replicating vectors that contain genes coding for RSV G proteins, the immunization methods that use these vectors as well as the diagnostic methods that use these vectors. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

P976

Claims (9)

1. CLAIMS: 1. An immunogenic composition for in vivo administration to a host, for the generation within the host of protective antibodies against the G protein of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the composition is characterized by: a vector that will not replicate when it is introduced into the host which is protected and which comprises: a first nucleotide sequence coding for an RSV G protein or an RSV G protein fragment that generates antibodies that react specifically with the RSV G protein; a promoter sequence operably linked to the first nucleotide sequence for the expression of the RSV G protein in the host; and a second nucleotide sequence located between the first nucleotide sequence and the promoter sequence to increase the expression of the G protein of RSV IN alive from the sector in the host; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. 2. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the first nucleotide sequence encodes a full-length RSV G protein or codes for an RSV G protein from which the
2. P976 transmembrane coding sequence and the sequences upstream thereof, are absent.
3. 3. The composition according to claim 2, characterized in that the first nucleotide sequence comprises the nucleotide sequence shown in Figure 2 (SEQ ID NO: 1) or codes for a full-length RSV G protein having the sequence of amino acids shown in Figure 2 (SEQ ID NO: 2).
4. 4. The composition according to claim 2, characterized in that the first nucleotide sequence comprises the nucleotide sequence shown in Figure 3 (SEQ ID NO: 3) or codes for a full-length RSV G protein having the sequence of amino acids shown in Figure 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4). The composition according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the vector further comprises a heterologous signal peptide encoding the nucleotide sequence immediately upstream of the 5 'end of the first nucleotide sequence. 6. The composition according to claim 5, characterized in that the coding sequence of the signal peptide encodes the signal peptide for the human tissue plasminogen activator. 7. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sequence P976 promoter is an immediate early promoter of cytomegalovirus. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second nucleotide sequence is the Intron A of human cytomegalovirus. 9. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the vector is a plasmid vector. The composition according to claim 9, characterized in that the plasmid vector is pXL5 as shown in Figure 4 or pXL6 as shown in the Figure
5. 5. 11. A vector that will replicate when introduced into a host to be protected when using a drug to immunize the host against a disease caused by infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), characterized by: a first nucleotide sequence that codes for a G protein from RSV or for a protein fragment G of RSV that generates antibodies that react specifically with the G protein of RSV; and a promoter sequence operably coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for expression of the RSV G protein in the host. P976 12. The composition according to claim 11, characterized in that the first nucleotide sequence encodes a full-length RSV G protein or codes for an RSV G protein from which the transmembrane coding sequence and the upstream sequences of the same, they are absent. 13. The composition according to claim 12, characterized in that the nucleotide sequence comprises the nucleotide sequence shown in Figure 2 (SEQ ID NO: 1) or encodes a full-length RSV G protein shown in Figure 2 (SEQ ID NO: 2). The composition according to claim 12, characterized in that the first nucleotide sequence comprises the nucleotide sequence shown in Figure 3 (SEQ ID NO: 3) or codes for a truncated RSV G protein having the amino acid sequence shown in Figure 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4). 15. The composition according to claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the vector further comprises a heterologous signal peptide encoding the nucleotide sequences immediately upstream of the 5 'end of the first nucleotide sequence. The composition according to claim 15, characterized in that the coding sequence of the signal peptide encodes the signal peptide for the activator of P976 human tissue plasminogen. 17. The composition according to any of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the promoter sequence is an immediate early promoter of cytomegalovirus. The composition according to any of claims 11 to 17, further comprising a second nucleotide sequence located between the first nucleotide sequence and the promoter sequence to increase the expression of the RSV G protein in vivo, from the vector in the host 19. The composition according to claim 18, characterized in that the second nucleotide sequence is the Intron A of human cytomegalovirus. 20. The composition according to any of claims 11 to 19, which is a plasmid vector. The composition according to claim 20, characterized in that the plasmid vector is pXL5 as shown in Figure 4 or pXL6 as shown in Figure 5. 22. A method for producing a vaccine for the protection of a host against a disease caused by infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), characterized by: isolating a first nucleotide sequence that P976 codes for an RSV G protein or an RSV G protein fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with the RSV G protein; operatively joining the nucleotide sequence to at least one control sequence to produce a vector that will not be replicated when introduced into the host to be protected, the control sequence directs the expression of the RSV G protein when introduced to a host in order to produce an immune response against the G protein of RSV; operatively joining the first nucleotide sequence with a second nucleotide sequence to increase the expression of the RSV G protein in vivo from the vector in the host; and formulating the vector as a vaccine in the in vivo administration to a host. 23. The composition according to claim 22, characterized in that the vector is selected from the group consisting of pXL5 and pXL
6. 6. P976