Compositions and methods for administering borrelia dna

Abstract

Plasmid DNA encoding at least one Borrelia genospecies antigen and methods for making and using such a plasmid are disclosed and claimed. The genospecies can be burgdorferi, garinii and/or afzelli. The antigen can be OspA and/or OspB and/or OspC. Compositions containing the plasmid DNA are useful for administration to a host susceptible to Lyme Disease for an in vivo response, such as a protective response, or for generating useful antibodies. The inventive plasmid can also be transfected into cells for generating antigens in vitro. And, the inventive plasmid can be prepared by isolating DNA (such as DNA coding for: promoter, leader sequence, antigen, and terminator) and performing a ligation or ligations, such as a three-way ligation. More particularly, administration of DNA encoding Borrelia genospecies antigen, e.g., OspA and/or OspB and/or OspC and compositions therefor for eliciting an immunological response against Borrelia, such as a protective response preventive of Lyme Disease, are disclosed and claimed. Thus, Lyme Disease vaccines or immunological compositions, and methods of making and using them, are disclosed and claimed.