Description of Invention:
This invention claims immunogenic conjugates of a poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gammaPGA) of B. anthracis, or of another bacillus that expresses a gammaPGA that elicit a serum antibody response against B. anthracis, in mammalian hosts to which the conjugates are administered. The invention also relates methods which are useful for eliciting an immunogenic response in mammals, particularly humans, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, infections caused by B. anthracis. The vaccines claimed in this application are intended for active immunization for prevention of B. anthracis infection, and for preparation of immune antibodies. The vaccines of this invention are designed to confer specific immunity against infection with B. anthracis, and to induce antibodies specific to B. anthracis gammaPGA. The B. anthracis vaccine is composed of non-toxic bacterial components, suitable for infants, children of all ages, and adults.

Inventors:
Rachel Schneerson (NICHD)
Joseph Shiloach (NIDDK)
Darrell T Liu (NICHD)
Joanna Kubler-kielb (NICHD)
Fathy D Majadly (NICHD)
Stephen H Leppla (NIDCR)
John B Robbins (NICHD)


Patent Status:
HHS, Reference No. E-343-2002/0
US, Application No. 10/559,825 filed 02 Dec 2005


Relevant Publication:

1. R Schneerson et al. Poly(gamma-D-glutamic acid) protein conjugates induce IgG antibodies in mice to the capsule of Bacillus anthracis: a potential addition to the anthrax vaccine. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2003 Jul 22;100(15):8945-8950. [ PubMed abs ]

Portfolios:
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases - Therapeutics
Infectious Diseases - Vaccines
Infectious Diseases - Research Materials
Rare Diseases



For Additional Information Please Contact:
Peter Soukas J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325 Room 14,
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
United States
Email: soukasp@mail.nih.gov
Phone: 301-435-4646
Fax: 301-402-0220


Ref No: 924

Updated: 09/2008