Hendra virus recombinant compositions and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro one or more Hendra virus polypeptides or antigens that elicit an immune response in animal or human against Hendra virus and Nipah virus, compositions comprising said vectors and/or Hendra virus polypeptides, methods of vaccination against Hendra virus and Nipah virus, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

1 . A composition comprising one or more expression vectors, wherein the vector comprises a polynucleotide encoding one or more polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a Hendra virus G polypeptide, a variant or fragment of the Hendra virus G polypeptide, a Hendra virus F polypeptide, a variant or fragment of the Hendra virus F polypeptide, and a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the vector comprises a first polynucleotide encoding a Hendra virus G polypeptide and a second polynucleotide encoding a Hendra virus F polypeptide. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a first expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a Hendra virus G polypeptide and a second expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a Hendra virus F polypeptide. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1  further comprising one or more additional antigens. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein the additional antigens are Nipah antigens. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein the first polynucleotide encodes a Hendra virus G polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the second polynucleotide encodes a Hendra virus F polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the polynucleotide encodes a Hendra virus G polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the polynucleotide encodes a Hendra virus F polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the polynucleotide has at least 70% sequence identity to the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, 2, 4, or 5. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the vector is a poxvirus. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically or veterinary acceptable vehicle, adjuvant, diluent or excipient. 
     
     
         12 . A vector comprising one or more polynucleotide encoding one or more polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a Hendra virus G polypeptide, a variant or fragment of the Hendra virus G, a Hendra virus F polypeptide, a variant or fragment of the Hendra virus F polypeptide, and a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The vector of  claim 12 , wherein the polynucleotide encodes a Hendra virus G polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3. 
     
     
         14 . The vector of  claim 12 , wherein the polynucleotide encodes a Hendra virus F polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6. 
     
     
         15 . The vector of  claim 12 , wherein the vector comprises a first polynucleotide encoding a Hendra virus G polypeptide and a second polynucleotide encoding a Hendra virus F polypeptide. 
     
     
         16 . The vector of  claim 15 , wherein the first polynucleotide encodes a Hendra virus G polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the second polynucleotide encodes a Hendra virus F polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6. 
     
     
         17 . The vector of  claim 12 , wherein the polynucleotide is operably linked to a promoter. 
     
     
         18 . The vector of  claim 12 , wherein the vector is a poxvirus. 
     
     
         19 . A method of vaccinating an animal comprising at least one administration of the composition of  claim 1  or vector of  claim 12 . 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the method comprises a prime-boost administration regime. 
     
     
         21 . A method for inducing an immunogenic or protective response against Hendra virus or Nipah virus comprising at least one administration of the composition of  claim 1  or vector of  claim 12 . 
     
     
         22 . A method of hyperimmunizing horses to induce polyclonal antibodies for serotherapy in animals and humans comprising at least one administration of the composition of  claim 1  or vector of  claim 12 .