RNA Encoding the MPT83 Antigen Induces Protective Immune Responses againstMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection

Abstract

We have previously demonstrated that vaccination of mice with plasmid DNA vectors expressing immunodominant mycobacterial genes induced cellular immune responses and significant protection against challenge withMycobacterium tuberculosis. We demonstrate here, using in vitro-synthesized RNA, that vaccination with DNA or RNA constructs expressing theM. tuberculosisMPT83 antigen are capable of inducing specific humoral and T-cell immune responses and confer modest but significant protection againstM. tuberculosischallenge in mice. This is the first report of protective immunity conferred against intracellular bacteria by an RNA vaccine. This novel approach avoids some of the drawbacks of DNA vaccines and illustrates the potential for developing new antimycobacterial immunization strategies.