GENE GUN PARTICLE-MEDIATED VACCINATION WITH PLASMID DNA CONFERS PROTECTIVE IMMUNITY AGAINST RABIES VIRUS-INFECTION

Accell(R) gene gun particle-mediated immunization with DNA encoding th e glycoprotein gene of the challenge virus standard strain of rabies v irus was evaluated for its ability to elicit protective levels of seru m. anti-rabies virus neutralizing antibody. Strong primary and booster neutralizing antibody responses were detected in mice following immun ization with 2 mu g of DNA coated on 2.6-mu m gold beads. Protective l evels of antibody persisted for over 300 days. Mice challenged intrapl antarly 315 days post-primary immunization (225 days post-booster vacc ination) survived lethal rabies virus challenge. Our data demonstrate a potentially significant role for gene gun-based delivery of DNA in t he field of rabies virus vaccination. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.