Intimin: Candidate for an Escherichia coli O157:H7 Anti-transmission Vaccine

Objective

Test intimin as a vaccine to prevent EHEC O157:H7 infections in cattle. Determine if antibodies against intimin-O157 interferes with EHEC O157:H7 infections in suckling piglets (passive immunization experiments). Measure immune responses to transgenic intimin (active immunity). Determine if oral immunization with transgenic intimin-O157 elicits antibodies against intimin that block adherence of EHEC to Hep-2 cells.

More information

Vaccinate pregnant gilts with intimin-O157 and challenge suckling piglets with O157:H7 to determine if parenterally administered intimin elicits maternal antibodies and if these antibodies protect piglets from EHEC O157:H7 infection and disease. Vaccinate mice, pigs, and cattle parenterally with transgenic intimin-O157 (initially produced in tobacco, then in alfalfa). Measure anti-intimin antibodies and determine if antibodies block EHEC O157:H7 adherence in vitro. Feed transgenic plants producing intimin to mice and pigs and monitor immune response. Determine if antibodies block adherence.

Investigators

Nystrom, Evelyn

Institution

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Start date

2000

End date

2005

Funding Source

Agricultural Research Service

Project number

3625-32000-051-04S

Accession number

403792