Immunogenicity of recombinant Bacillus strains with a cloned gene for synthesis of the protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis

• Published in: Molecular genetics, microbiology and virology Vol. 22; no. 3; pp. 103 - 111
• Main Authors: Mikshis, N. I., Kudryavtseva, O. M., Bolotnikova, M. F., Shulepov, D. V., Novikova, L. V., Popov, Yu. A., Shchukovskaya, T. N., Drozdov, I. G., Kutyrev, V. V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.09.2007
• Subjects: Bacillus anthracis
• ISSN: 0891-4168; 1934-841X
• DOI: 10.3103/S0891416807030032

A hybrid plasmid pUB110PA-1, which functions stably in cells of Bacillus strains and contains the gene for synthesis of the protective antigen of the anthrax microbe, Bacillus anthracis, has been constructed. Recombinant strains were obtained that surpass anthrax Bacillus cultures in the secretory synthesis of the protective antigen. Their immunologic effectiveness was assessed. A single immunization of guinea pigs with the recombinant strains in a dose of 5 X 10 spores provides effective protection from infection by the anthrax pathogen. The immune response is characterized by high values of the immunity indices and titers of antibodies against the protective antigen. The recombinant strains do not possess residual virulence for guinea pigs and BALB/mice, in contrast to anthrax vaccine preparations.