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 method for inducing an immune response in an animal, comprising the steps of
 obtaining a transgenic alga expressing an antigenic peptide, wherein the antigenic peptide is at least partially derived from a microorganism that is pathogenic to the animal, and   administering the transgenic alga to the animal, wherein the transgenic alga is administered in a dosage effective for inducing an immune response, and wherein the transgenic alga induces an immune response in the animal.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transgenic alga is administered by feeding. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the animal is a fish, and the immune response is detectable in a sample of serum from the fish. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transgenic alga is administered by immersing the animal in a suspension comprising the alga. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the animal is a fish, and the immune response is detectable in a sample of mucus from the fish.