Salmonella typhimurium aroA strains (SL3261), expressing high levels of the Gag protein of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) fused with maltose binding protein (SL3261-MFG), were constructed using an invertible promoter system that allows the stable expression of heterologous antigens at levels toxic for bacteria. A SL3261 strain expressing the B subunit of cholera toxin by a similar system (SL3261-CtxB) served as a control in FIV-immunization experiments. Cats immunized once orally or intraperitoneally with SL3261-MFG or SL3261-CtxB all developed serum antibodies to SL3261 lipopolysaccharide and against maltose binding protein or the B subunit of cholera toxin, respectively. Two intraperitoneal immunizations with SL3261-MFG also resulted in the development of Gag specific serum antibodies. Two oral immunizations with SL3261-MFG primed for a Gag specific response, which was demonstrated upon FIV challenge. All challenged cats became infected and no significant differences in viral loads were found between SL3261-MFG and SL3261-CtxB immunized cats.

, ,
doi.org/10.1016/S0264-410X(96)00308-8, hdl.handle.net/1765/61749
Vaccine
Department of Virology

Tijhaar, E., Siebelink, K., Karlas, J., Burger, M. C., Mooi, F., & Osterhaus, A. (1997). Induction of feline immunodeficiency virus specific antibodies in cats with an attenuated Salmonella strain expressing the Gag protein. Vaccine, 15(6-7), 587–596. doi:10.1016/S0264-410X(96)00308-8