An RNA vaccine based on recombinant semliki forest virus particles expressing the Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase protein of Brucella abortus induces protective immunity in BALB/c mice

We constructed infectious but replication-deficient Semliki Forest virus (SFV) particles carrying recombinant RNA encoding Brucella abortus Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD). The recombinant SFV particles (SFV-SOD particles) were then evaluated for their ability to induce a T-cell immune response and to protect BALB/c mice against a challenge with B. abortus 2308. Intraperitoneal injection of mice with recombinant SFV-SOD particles did not lead to the induction of SOD-specific antibodies, at least until week 6 after immunization (the end of the experiment). In vitro stimulation of splenocytes from the vaccinated mice with either recombinant Cu,Zn SOD (rSOD) or crude Brucella protein resulted in a T-cell proliferative response and the induction of gamma interferon secretion but not interleukin-4. In addition, the splenocytes exhibited significant levels of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity against Brucella-infected cells. The SFV-SOD particles, but not the control virus particles, induced a significant level of protection in BALB/c mice against challenge with B. abortus virulent strain 2308. These findings indicated that an SFV-based vector carrying the SOD gene has potential for use as a vaccine to induce resistance against B. abortus infections.