2013 Annual Report
1a.Objectives (from AD-416):
The objective will be to utilize nanoparticles as a new platform for delivery of vaccines against respiratory viruses in calves.
1b.Approach (from AD-416):
We propose to develop polymeric particles for controlled delivery of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) peptides and/or proteins to be used as an intranasal vaccine. This subobjective will involve collaboration with scientists at Iowa State University (ISU). Investigators at ISU have generated polyanhydride nanoparticles that contain antigens from several pathogens and shown in multiple studies that they can induce an immune response in animals provided these vaccines. Our plan would be to have peptides generated from a conserved epitope of RSV G protein (BRSV G) of full-length G or fusion proteins to be encapsulated in polymeric particles. We believe delayed delivery of immunogens provided by the nanoparticles will facilitate enhanced protection of calves.
Nanoparticles have been synthesized and coupled to peptides generated from the conserved epitope of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) G protein. These have been used in in vitro assays to stimulate white blood cells (WBCs). Immune responses of the WBCs to these nanoparticles are being analyzed.