Boosting vaccine for tuberculosis

JV Brooks, AA Frank, MA Keen, JT Bellisle… - Infection and …, 2001 - Am Soc Microbiol
JV Brooks, AA Frank, MA Keen, JT Bellisle, IM Orme
Infection and immunity, 2001Am Soc Microbiol
An effective new vaccine for the control of tuberculosis is badly needed. While current
research attempts to improve vaccination are concentrating on new prophylactic or
immunotherapeutic vaccines, virtually no emphasis has been placed on boosting individuals
already inoculated with Mycobacterium bovis BCG. It is shown here that mice vaccinated
with BCG gradually lose their capacity to resist an aerosol challenge infection as they age.
However, if these mice are inoculated with the 30-kDa mycolyl transferase A protein in …
Abstract
An effective new vaccine for the control of tuberculosis is badly needed. While current research attempts to improve vaccination are concentrating on new prophylactic or immunotherapeutic vaccines, virtually no emphasis has been placed on boosting individuals already inoculated with Mycobacterium bovis BCG. It is shown here that mice vaccinated with BCG gradually lose their capacity to resist an aerosol challenge infection as they age. However, if these mice are inoculated with the 30-kDa mycolyl transferase A protein in midlife, after challenge when aged they express levels of protection in the lungs comparable to those of young mice, associated with minimal pathological damage.
American Society for Microbiology