Development of SARS-CoV vaccines and evaluation of their immunogenicity

[Objective] To develop vaccines of envelop gene(E), membrane gene(M) and nucleocapsid(N) gene from SARS-CoV, and to evaluate their immunogenicity. [Method] E, M and N genes were obtained by PCR, and then cloned into eukaryotic expression vector pVAX1. Mice and rabbits were immunized by intramuscular injection with the recombinant plasmids. The antigen-specific antibodies were determined by ELISA. The weight change of the animals were observed. Their organs were taken, and pathological changes were observed. [Results] The sequences of recombinant plasmids were identical to those in the Genebank. Of the animals immunized with pVAX1-E, pVAX1-M and pVAX1-N DNA vaccines, the level of specific antibodies against SARS-CoV increased significantly in sera. The weight change and pathological result of the animal immunized with DNA vaccines showed slight difference with negative control. [Conclusion] The pVAX1-E, pVAX1-M and pVAX1-N DNA vaccines can induce specific humoral immune responses in the mice and rabbits. they've shown good immunogenicity and safety. They could be used as candidate vaccines against SARS.