The University of Texas System

Gary R Klimpel

David W Niesel

Ashok K Chopra

Jian Sha

The present invention concerns the use of methods and compositions to prophylactically or therapeutically vaccinate a subject against a pathogen or disease. Embodiments of the invention include the production of an attenuated bacterium from the family Enterobacteriaceae with a non-functional lipoprotein for use as a vaccine or as a vaccine vector for delivering antigens to a subject to be vaccinated. In certain embodiments, a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family lacking a wild type LP, for examplelacking a wild type LP, may be produced and used as a vaccine or vaccine vector.

Methods and compositions for vaccination against or involving enterobacteriaceae bacteria

Cytokine receptors for tumor necrosis factor e which are found on microorganisms may, if bound with exogenous TNF.alpha., enhance the response of natural killer cells activated by the microorganisms, or increase TNF.alpha. production by peripheral blood lymphocytes treated with the microorganisms. Microorganisms with receptor-bound exogenous TNF.alpha. have enhanced cellular invasion ability which may change the immune response thereto. Clinical and pharmaceutical applications of these discoveries are provided.

Method of using cytokine receptors on microorganism

Cytokine receptors for tumor necrosis factor .alpha. which are found on microorganisms may, if bound with exogenous TNF.alpha., enhance the response of natural killer cells activated by the microorganisms, or increase TNF.alpha. production by peripheral blood lymphocytes treated with the microorganisms. Microorganisms with receptor-bound exogenous TNF.alpha. have enhanced cellular invasion ability which may change the immune response thereto. Clinical and pharmaceutical applications of these discoveries including vaccines with increased efficacy are provided.

Growing community of inventors

Santa Fe, TX, United States of America

Gary R Klimpel