Novel Attenuated Strains of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Description of Invention:
This invention provides for novel attenuated strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. bovis. Attenuation is achieved by deleting the gene encoding the alpha-crystallin heat shock protein ("acr gene"). This gene contributes to the virulence of the organism. Since this strain is isogenic with virulent M. tuberculosis but for this deletion, the full complement of antigens remains present and the organism is viable in vitro. The invention provides for vaccines and methods of vaccinating mammals for protection against Mycobacterium sp. that cause tuberculosis.
Inventors:
CE Barry Y Yuan D Crane (NIAID)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-238-1997/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/052,199 filed 10 Jul 1997
PCT Application No. PCT/US98/14227 filed 09 Jul 1998, which published as WO 99/02670 on 21 Jan 1999
U.S. Patent Application No. 09/462,556 filed 27 Jun 2000, which issued as U.S. Patent No. 6,403,100 on 11 Jun 2002
For Additional Information Please Contact: Robert M. Joynes J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
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Email: joynesr@mail.nih.gov
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