[Immunogenicity of a recombinant strain of vaccinia virus, expressing a Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus structural protein gene in peroral immunization].

Immunogenicity of recombinant vaccinia virus strain (VR26) expressing Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus structural protein genes was studied by oral immunization. Sera of animals immunized with VR26 contained antibodies specific to VEE virus, among which antibodies with virus-neutralizing activity were present. Evaluation of the protective efficiency of oral immunization with VR26 demonstrated a high level of animal protection from lethal doses of VEE virus. Rabbits immunized orally were highly resistant (protection index 142.9) to intranasal infection, which is of priority importance for antiVEE vaccine. Comparative analysis of the results of scarification and oral immunization with VR26 indicates that the type of immune response depends on the method of immunization. These results demonstrate good prospects of oral vaccination with recombinant VR26 strain for immunoprophylaxis of VEE.