Abstract:
The aim of this study was the construction of recombinant parapoxviruses of the species Orf virus (ORFV), which express the major immunogenic Pseudorabiesvirus (PRV)-glycoproteins gB, gC and gD. To this end, the cell culture adapted, attenuated ORFV strain D1701 was used. Insertion of the PRV glycoprotein genes was achieved by substitution of the early vegf-e gene, which encodes an ORFV virulence factor. The correct insertion of the glycoprotein genes gC and gD into the genome of the resulting D1701 recombinants and the in vitro expression of the foreign genes in permissive Vero cells could be demonstrated. So far, the development of a PRV gB-specific recombinant failed. The processing of the ORFV encoded herpesviral glycoproteins was analyzed in more detail using additional recombinants with deletions in the signal sequence or the transmembrane domain of gC. It could be shown that regulartory motifs of gene expression in eukaryontic cells as well as structural properties of the individual foreign antigen have to be considered for the development of immunogenic ORFV vector vaccines. Since the mouse represents a potential non-permissive host for the ORFV infection, gene expression and replication of the D1701 vectors was also investigated in murine cell lines. An abortive replication of the virus could be demonstrated, which, however, did not impede the early expression of the vector encoded foreign genes in vitro. Intramuscular immunisation of various inbred mouse strains with the D1701 recombinants mediated solid protection against challenge infection with the highly virulent PRV strain NIA-3. Investigation of the vector induced PRV specific immune response in wild type- and various knockout mouse strains indicates that PRV glycoprotein specific IgG serum antibodies contribute to protection early after infection. For a solid long-term protection, however, further cellular immune mechanisms are necessary.