IL-12 as an adjuvant for Bordetella Pertussis vaccines

Abstract

This invention provides a composition of at least one Bordetella antigen and an effective adjuvant amount of interleukin-12 (IL-12), and uses thereof as a vaccine against Bordetella infection. Methods for using IL-12 as an adjuvant in combination with vaccines against Bordetella are also provided.

1 - 43 . (canceled)  
     
     
         44 . A vaccine composition against  Bordetella  comprising at least one  Bordetella  antigen and an effective adjuvant amount of interleukin-12, wherein the composition is capable of eliciting a Th1 immune response.  
     
     
         45 . The composition of  claim 44 , wherein the at least one antigen is  Bordetella pertussis  antigen.  
     
     
         46 . The composition of  claim 44 , wherein the at least one antigen is chosen from lipopolysaccharide, pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, and pertactin.  
     
     
         47 . The composition of  claim 45 , wherein the at least one antigen is adsorbed to alum.  
     
     
         48 . The composition of  claim 46 , wherein the at least one antigen is adsorbed to alum.  
     
     
         49 . A vaccine composition comprising at least one  Bordetella  antigen and an effective adjuvant amount of interleukin-12, wherein the composition is capable of stimulating IFN-γ production in a host immunized with the composition.  
     
     
         50 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the at least one antigen is a  Bordetella pertussis  antigen.  
     
     
         51 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the at least one antigen is chosen from lipopolysaccharide, pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, and pertactin.  
     
     
         52 . The composition of  claim 50 , wherein the at least one antigen is adsorbed to alum.  
     
     
         53 . The composition of  claim 51 , wherein the at least one antigen is adsorbed to alum.