Development of a rubella virus DNA vaccine

Two rubella virus DNA vaccines were constructed from a cDNA clone of the ru bella virus genomic RNA, one which contained the coding sequences for all t hree virion proteins (C, E2. and El) and one which contained the two envelo pe glycoproteins (E2 and El). When used to immunize mice via gene gun deliv ery, both constructs induced an antibody response of equivalent titer to th at induced by rubella virus that persisted for at least seven months. A boo ster injection given four weeks after the initial injection increased antib ody titers by over thirty-fold. The antibody response in DNA vaccine-inject ed mice was directed primarily against the El glycoprotein, as was the case in rubella virus-injected mice, and neutralizing activity was detected. Th ese DNA vaccines are thus prototypes for a nonreplicating rubella virus vac cine that could be used in specialized circumstances. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.