01747nas a2200325   4500000000100000008004100001260001600042653001200058653002400070653001600094653002300110653001800133653001600151653001900167653002100186653001200207653000900219653002500228653001800253653001800271100001300289700001400302700001600316700001600332245008400348300001100432490000700443520095700450022001401407       2001                            d  c2001 Jan 0810aAnimals10aAntigens, Bacterial10aBCG Vaccine10aBacterial Vaccines10aBase Sequence10aDNA Primers10aDNA, Bacterial10aInterferon-gamma10aleprosy10aMice10aMycobacterium leprae10aT-Lymphocytes10aVaccines, DNA1 aMartin E1 aRoche P W1 aTriccas J A1 aBritton W J00aDNA encoding a single mycobacterial antigen protects against leprosy infection.  a1391-60 v193 a<p>The continuing incidence of leprosy infection around the world and the inability of Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) to protect certain populations clearly indicates that an improved vaccine against leprosy is needed. The immuno dominant 35 kDa protein, shared by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium avium, but not Mycobacterium tuberculosis or BCG, is recognised by >90% of leprosy patients, making it an ideal candidate antigen for a subunit vaccine. Immunization of outbred Swiss Albino mice with a DNA-35 vaccine stimulated specific T cell activation and IFN-gamma production. DNA-35 immunization induced significant levels of protection against M. leprae footpad infection, comparable to that produced by BCG. Therefore, DNA immunization with the 35 kDa antigen is effective against M. leprae infection and genetic immunization with a combination of antigens holds the potential for an improved vaccine against leprosy.</p>  a0264-410X