IMMUNOGENIC VACCINIA PEPTIDES AND METHODS OF USING SAME

摘要

The invention provides specific proteins encoded by the vaccinia genome that elicit an immune memory response and can be used for vaccines directed against variola (smallpox), monkeypox and other poxviruses. The invention provides antigens, polypeptides comprising antigens, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, vectors, and recombinant viruses containing the polynucleotides, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) presenting the polypeptides, immune cells directed against the epitopes, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention additionally provides methods, including methods for preventing and treating infection, for killing infected cells, for inhibiting viral replication, for enhancing secretion of antiviral and/or immunomodulatory lymphokines, and for enhancing production of disease-specific antibody.