Fusogenic, self-propagating blebs as immunogenic compositions

US7541038B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Wyeth, LLC · US

Inventors

• Gerald Kovacs · Morristown, US
• Xiaoyan Mo · Boxborough, US
• Nikolaos Vasilakis · Galveston, US
• Sangeeta Bhargava · Potomac, US
• Timothy J. Zamb · Setauket, US
• Stephen A. Udem · New York, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 2, 2004
• Grant date: Jun 2, 2009
• Expiry date: Jun 2, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2770/36143
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Self-propagating, fusogenic blebs are produced from cells infected with a population of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus replicon particles (VRP). The self-propagating, fusogenic nature of the blebs is derived from expression of heterologous genes encoding viral fusion proteins that are incorporated into the replication defective replicon particles. The resulting blebs can be harvested from supernatants of cells displaying severe cytopathic effects. The blebs are used to make immunogenic compositions and devise methods of immunizing mammals against paramyxoviruses such as parainfluenza virus type 3.