Vaccines comprising synthetic genes

US6534312B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• MERCK & CO., INC. · US

Inventors

• John Shiver · Doylestown, US
• Mary Davies · Norristown, US
• Daniel C. Freed · Limerick, US
• Margaret A. Liu · Rosemont, US
• Helen Perry · Lansdale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 28, 1999
• Grant date: Mar 18, 2003
• Expiry date: Jun 28, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2740/16122
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Synthetic polynucleotides comprising a DNA sequence encoding a peptide or protein are provided. The DNA sequence of the synthetic polynucleotides comprise codons optimized for expression in a nonhomologous host. The invention is exemplified by synthetic DNA molecules encoding HIV env as well as modifications of HIV env. The codons of the synthetic molecules include the projected host cell's preferred codons. The synthetic molecules provide preferred forms of foreign genetic material. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides immunoprophylaxis against HIV infection through neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity. This invention provides polynucleotides which, when directly introduced into a vertebrate in vivo, including mammals such as primates and humans, induces the expression of encoded proteins within the animal.