<i>STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE</i> VACCINE STRAIN AND USES THEREOF

摘要

The present invention provides mutant strains of <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae that produce reduced levels of capsular polysaccharide but maintain the ability of colonization. Thus, these mutants provide potential new means of eliciting immunity to pneumococcal infections through the use of a live, attenuated vaccine that can be maintained in the host with a limited potential for causing disease. In addition, heterologous antigens can be expressed in the strains, providing a delivery vehicle for eliciting immunity to other infectious agents.