Biolistic-mediated gene transfer using the bovine herpesvirus-1 glycoprotein D is an effective delivery system to induce neutralizing antibodies in its natural host

A genetic vaccine consisting of the bovine herpesvirus-l (BHV-1) glycoprote in D (gD) gene was constructed and administered to cattle using the biolist ic (gene-gun) process. Results were compared to standard intramuscular inje ction of an inactivated whole BHV-1 commercial vaccine. Cattle genetically immunized by the gene-gun-delivered go subunit vaccine developed high titer s of IgG antibodies specific to go demonstrating that this immunization met hod is a potent humoral response inducer. Further, gene-gun vaccinated catt le produced high neutralizing antibody titers to BHV-1 similar to levels in duced in the commercial vaccine immunized animals. Additionally, cellular i mmunity was measured by an increased level of IFN-gamma mRNA detected in PB MC of cattle immunized with the go gene or with the commercial vaccine, whe reas augmented levels of IL-4 were not detected following vaccination. Beca use of its simplicity and effectiveness in inducing an immune response in c attle similar to a commercial vaccine, gene-gun delivery of a subunit BHV-1 go vaccine would be a viable alternative to current immunization protocols . (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.