MYXOMA VIRUS AS A VACCINE VECTOR FOR RABBITS - ANTIBODY-LEVELS TO INFLUENZA-VIRUS HEMAGGLUTININ PRESENTED BY A RECOMBINANT MYXOMA VIRUS

To determine whether myxoma virus (MV) could be used as a vector for a ntigen presentation to European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), despi te its immunosuppressive properties, a recombinant MV expressing the i nfluenza virus haemagglutinin (HA) was constructed. Domestic rabbits, inoculated with the recombinant virus, developed high plasma antibody titres to the HA and IgG to HA was also detected in vaginal secretions . Antibody titres to HA obtained with recombinant MV were similar to t itres obtained in rabbits inoculated with vaccinia virus expressing th e HA. These results indicate that MV is an efficient vector for antige n presentation in rabbits.