Abstract
Two membrane compartments of Escherichia coli ghosts, representing empty bacterial cell envelopes, were investigated as carriers of foreign antigens. By subcutaneous immunisation of mice the immunogenicity of bacterial ghosts carrying the Hepatitis B virus core 149 protein (HBcAg-149) as model antigen anchored either in the inner or the outer membrane of E. coli was compared. Both systems induced significant immune responses against the foreign target antigen, the HBcAg-149, in mice. Results indicate that bacterial ghosts provide an excellent carrier system for antigen delivery.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / administration & dosage
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Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / genetics
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Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / immunology*
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Escherichia coli / genetics
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Escherichia coli / immunology
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Female
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Hepatitis B Core Antigens / administration & dosage
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Hepatitis B Core Antigens / genetics
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Hepatitis B Core Antigens / immunology*
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Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage
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Hepatitis B Vaccines / genetics
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Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology*
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Hepatitis B virus / genetics
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Hepatitis B virus / immunology*
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Intracellular Membranes / immunology*
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / administration & dosage
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology
Substances
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Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
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Hepatitis B Core Antigens
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Hepatitis B Vaccines
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins