Recombinant subunit west nile virus vaccine for protection of human subjects

Abstract

A West Nile virus vaccine for human use is described that preferably contains a recombinantly produced form of truncated West Nile virus envelope glycoprotein and aluminum adjuvant. The vaccine is acceptable for use in the general population, including immunosuppressed, immunocompromised, and immunosenescent individuals. The vaccine is safe and effective for use in all healthy and at-risk populations. A pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle may also be included in the vaccine.

1 . A vaccine comprising:
 an effective amount of purified West Nile virus envelope (“E”) polypeptide, wherein the E polypeptide constitutes approximately 80% of the length of wild type E starting from amino acid residue 1 at its N-terminus, such that said E polypeptide is secretable into growth medium when expressed recombinantly in a host cell; and   an effective amount of aluminum-based adjuvant, wherein the vaccine induces the production of neutralizing antibodies in human subjects.   
     
     
         2 . The vaccine of  claim 1  wherein the E polypeptide is recombinantly produced and expressed in insect host cells. 
     
     
         3 . The vaccine of  claim 1  wherein the E polypeptide is recombinantly produced and expressed in  Drosophila melanogaster  Schneider 2 (S2) host cells. 
     
     
         4 . The vaccine of  claim 1 , further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. 
     
     
         5 . The vaccine of  claim 1  for use in immunodeficient populations. 
     
     
         6 . A method for raising a protective immune response in a person, comprising administering in a therapeutically acceptable manner a therapeutically effective amount of the vaccine of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         7 . A method of providing immune protection in humans against West Nile virus induced disease comprising administering an effective amount of the vaccine of  claim 1  thereby providing protection from West Nile disease. 
     
     
         8 . The vaccine of  claim 4  for use in immunodeficient populations. 
     
     
         9 . A method for raising a protective immune response in a person, comprising administering in a therapeutically acceptable manner a therapeutically effective amount of the vaccine of  claim 4 . 
     
     
         10 . A method of providing immune protection in humans against West Nile virus induced disease comprising administering an effective amount of the vaccine of  claim 4  thereby providing protection from West Nile disease.