CHIMERIC VACCINE ANTIGENS AGAINST CLASSICAL SWINE FEVER VIRUS

摘要

The current invention describes chimeric vaccine antigens against the virus that causes the Classic Swine Fever (CSFV). Such vaccine antigens are based on viral subunits coupled to proteins able to stimulate cellular and humoral immune system. Chimeric antigens can be produced in expression systems that guarantee a correct tertiary structure folding of the chimeric molecules, which constitute the essence of the current invention. The vaccine formulations containing such chimeric antigens induce an early and potent immune response on vaccinated pigs and confer full protection against CSFV. Moreover, the resultant vaccine formulations prevent the viral transmission from sows to their offspring. The chimeric antigens, as well as the resultant vaccine formulations, can be applied in animal health as vaccines for preventive use in swine.