Novel recombinant and mutant adenoviruses

Abstract

The present invention provides novel viral vectors. In one embodiment, the present invention provides mutant and recombinant bovine adenoviruses having a deletion and/or insertion of DNA in the early gene region 4 (E4). In another embodiment, the present invention provides mutant and recombinant bovine adenovirus 1 viruses having a deletion and/or insertion of DNA in the early gene region 3 (E3). The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral vectors for vaccination, gene therapy or other applications as suitable.

1 - 7 . (canceled)  
     
     
         8 . A mutant virus comprising a deletion of at least a portion of the E4 gene region of a bovine adenovirus.  
     
     
         9 . The mutant virus of  claim 8  which also has a foreign DNA sequence inserted into the E4 gene region.  
     
     
         10 . The mutant virus of  claim 8 , wherein at least one open reading frame of said E4 gene region of said bovine adenovirus is completely deleted.  
     
     
         11 . A recombinant virus comprising a foreign DNA sequence inserted into the E3 gene region of a bovine adenovirus 1.  
     
     
         12 . The mutant virus of  claim 11 , wherein said foreign DNA encodes a polypeptide from a virus or bacteria selected from the group consisting of bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, bovine herpes virus type 1, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine para influenza virus type 3 (BPI-3), bovine diarrhea virus, bovine rhinotracheitis virus, bovine parainfluenza type 3 virus,  Pasteurella haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida  and/or  Haemophilus somnus.    
     
     
         13 . The mutant virus of  claim 12 , wherein said polypeptide comprises more than ten amino acids.  
     
     
         14 . The mutant virus of  claim 12 , wherein said polypeptide is antigenic.  
     
     
         15 . The mutant virus of  claim 12 , wherein said foreign DNA sequence is under control of a promoter located upstream of said foreign DNA sequence.  
     
     
         16 . A mutant virus comprising a deletion of at least a portion of the E3 gene region of a bovine adenovirus 1.  
     
     
         17 . The mutant virus of  claim 16  which also has a foreign DNA sequence inserted into the E3 gene region.  
     
     
         18 . The mutant virus of  claim 16 , wherein at least one open reading frame of said E3 gene region of said bovine adenovirus 1 is completely deleted.  
     
     
         19 . A vaccine comprising the mutant virus of  claim 9 .  
     
     
         20 . A method of inducing an immunological response in an animal, comprising introducing the vaccine of  claim 19  to said animal.  
     
     
         21 . A vaccine comprising the mutant virus of  claim 10 .  
     
     
         22 . A method of inducing an immunological response in an animal comprising introducing the vaccine of  claim 21  to said animal.  
     
     
         23 . A vaccine comprising the mutant virus of  claim 14 .  
     
     
         24 . A method of inducing an immunological response in an animal comprising introducing the vaccine of  claim 23  to said animal.