Transgenic algae for delivering antigens to an animal

Abstract

Delivery systems and methods are provided for delivering a biologically active protein to a host animal. The systems and methods provided include obtaining an algal cell transformed by an expression vector, the expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the biologically active protein, operably linked to a promoter. In one illustrated embodiment, the biologically active protein is an antigenic epitope and upon administration to the animal the algal cell induces an immune response in the host animal.

1 . A delivery system for delivering a biologically active protein to a host animal comprising
 an algal cell transformed by an expression vector, and   the expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the biologically active protein, operably linked to a promoter.   
     
     
         2 . The delivery system of  claim 1 , wherein the algal cell is suspended in water for immersing the host animal. 
     
     
         3 . The delivery system of  claim 1  wherein the biologically active protein is selected from the group consisting of hormones and antimicrobial peptides. 
     
     
         4 . The delivery system of  claim 1  wherein the algal cell is mixed with a sample of feed for the host animal. 
     
     
         5 . The delivery system of  claim 1  wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of mammals, fish, birds, and crustaceans. 
     
     
         6 . The delivery system of  claim 1  wherein the biologically active protein is a peptide derived from the group consisting of bactericidal proteins, insecticidal proteins, growth hormones, and antigens. 
     
     
         7 . A delivery system for delivering antigens to a host animal comprising
 an algal cell transformed by an expression vector, and   the expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for an antigenic determinant.   
     
     
         8 . The delivery system of  claim 7 , wherein the expression vector further comprises a promoter operably linked to the nucleotide sequence coding for the antigenic determinant. 
     
     
         9 . The delivery system of  claim 8 , wherein the expression vector further comprises a terminator for terminating transcription. 
     
     
         10 . The delivery system of  claim 9 , wherein the algal cell expresses the antigenic determinant in an area selected from the group consisting of nucleus, chloroplast, mitochondria, periplasmic space, cell membrane, or cell wall. 
     
     
         11 . The delivery system of  claim 7 , wherein the algal cell is selected from the group consisting of green algae, brown algae, or diatoms. 
     
     
         12 . The delivery system of  claim 7  wherein the algal cell is  Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.    
     
     
         13 . The delivery system of  claim 7  wherein the antigenic determinant is a holoprotein or protein fragment from a pathogenic organism in the host animal. 
     
     
         14 . The delivery system of  claim 13  wherein the antigenic determinant is part of a fusion protein. 
     
     
         15 . The delivery system of  claim 7  wherein the algal cell is disabled. 
     
     
         16 . The delivery system of  claim 7  wherein the algal cell is packaged as a food product. 
     
     
         17 . The delivery system of  claim 16  wherein the food product is a capsule. 
     
     
         18 . The delivery system of  claim 7  wherein multiple algal cells are incorporated into a pellet. 
     
     
         19 . The delivery system of  claim 18  wherein the algal cells are selected from the group consisting of living and dead cells. 
     
     
         20 . The delivery system of  claim 7  wherein the algal cell is suspended in water for immersing the host animal. 
     
     
         21 . The delivery system of  claim 20  wherein the algal cell is dried and aimed into a powder prior to being suspended in water. 
     
     
         22 . The delivery system of  claim 7  wherein the algal cell is mixed with a liquid and packaged as a drink. 
     
     
         23 . The delivery system of  claim 7  wherein the expression vector is incorporated into genetic material selected from the group consisting of nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial. 
     
     
         24 . A method for inducing an immune response in an animal, comprising the steps of
 obtaining a transgenic alga expressing an antigenic peptide, and   administering the transgenic alga to the animal.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the transgenic alga is administered by feeding. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the animal is a fish, and the immune response is detectable in a sample of serum from the fish. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the transgenic alga is administered by immersing the animal in a suspension comprising the alga. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the animal is a fish, and the immune response is detectable in a sample of mucus from the fish. 
     
     
         29 . A method for inducing enhanced growth in an animal, comprising the steps of
 obtaining a transgenic alga expressing a peptide derived from a growth hormone, and   administering the transgenic alga to the animal.   
     
     
         30 . A method for controlling a pathogenic population in an animal, comprising the steps of
 obtaining a transgenic alga expressing a peptide derived from a bactericidal or insecticidal protein, and   administering the transgenic alga to the animal.