Vaccinia virus: an expression vector for genes from parasites

Abstract

Smallpox has been eradicated by immunization with live vaccinia virus. Now, using genetic engineering, infectious vaccinia virus recombinants are being constructed which express genes from other pathogens. These viruses can stimulate specific immunological responses against the foreign antigen in vaccinated animals and can protect against disease caused by the corresponding pathogen. In this paper we describe how recombinant vaccinia viruses are constructed and illustrate the potential of this vector system for expression of genes from parasitic pathogens.