Method of attenuating pathogenic mycobacteria and strains of mycobacteria so attenuated

摘要

This invention provides for novel attenuated strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. bovis. Attenuation is achieved by eliminating or by downregulating the expression of the alpha-crystallin heat shock protein gene ("acr gene"). The invention provides for vaccines and methods of vaccinating mammals for protection against Mycobacterium sp. that cause tuberculosis.