Brossier F, Mock M, Sirard J C
Unité Toxines et Pathogénie Bactériennes, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
J Appl Microbiol. 1999 Aug;87(2):298-302. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2672.1999.00895.x.
This report summarizes the recent investigations on the use of Bacillus anthracis as a live vector for delivery of antigens. Recombinant strains were constructed by engineering the current live Sterne vaccine. This vaccine, used to prevent anthrax in cattle, causes side-effects due to anthrax toxin activities. Bacteria producing a genetically detoxified toxin factor were devoid of lethal effects and were as protective as the Sterne strain against experimental anthrax. Moreover, B. anthracis expressing a foreign antigen controlled by an in vivo inducible promoter were able to generate either antibody or cellular protective responses against heterologous diseases.
