• Vaccine Name: Mycobacterium bovis and Brucella abortus combined DNA vaccine
• Target Pathogen: Brucella spp.
• Target Disease: Brucellosis
• Vaccine Ontology ID: VO_0009215
• Type: DNA vaccine
• Status: Research
• Host Species for Licensed Use: Cattle
• Antigen: six genes encoding immunodominant antigens from Mycobacterium bovis and Brucella abortus
• Preparation: Combined DNA vaccine containing six genes encoding immunodominant antigens from both pathogens. (Hu et al, 2009)
• Description: The study evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a combined DNA vaccine containing six genes encoding immunodominant antigens from M. bovis and B. abortus. Efficacy: The combined DNA vaccine significantly reduced the number of positive lymph node and spleen cultures for both pathogens compared to unvaccinated calves; provided significantly better protection than BCG vaccine against M. bovis; protection level comparable to S19 vaccine against B. abortus. Immune response: Stronger antigen-specific IFN-gamma responses and ELISPOT activities; higher antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses than BCG or S19 groups; higher antigen-specific IgG titers; two antigens induced significant IFN-gamma responses 6 months after challenge. (Hu et al, 2009)

Cattle Response

• Immune Response: Stronger antigen-specific IFN-gamma responses and ELISPOT activities; higher antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses than BCG or S19 groups; higher antigen-specific IgG titers; two antigens induced significant IFN-gamma responses 6 months after challenge. (Hu et al, 2009)
• Challenge Protocol: Immunization of calves followed by challenge with virulent M. bovis and B. abortus 544; measurement of lymph node and spleen cultures, antigen-specific IFN-gamma responses, ELISPOT activities, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, IgG titers, bacterial counts, and pathological analyses. (Hu et al, 2009)
• Efficacy: The combined DNA vaccine significantly reduced the number of positive lymph node and spleen cultures for both pathogens compared to unvaccinated calves; provided significantly better protection than BCG vaccine against M. bovis; protection level comparable to S19 vaccine against B. abortus. (Hu et al, 2009)
• Description: Immunization of calves followed by challenge with virulent M. bovis and B. abortus 544; measurement of lymph node and spleen cultures, antigen-specific IFN-gamma responses, ELISPOT activities, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, IgG titers, bacterial counts, and pathological analyses. (Hu et al, 2009)