The purpose of this project was to evaluate the immune response produced in rabbits by immunization with DNA vaccines. The vaccines are intended to raise specific antibodies, which in theory can provide protection against infection with HIV. Genes encoding various HIV envelope glycoproteins gp 120 had previously been cloned into a plasmid vector creating a DNA vaccine, which was then used to vaccinate rabbits using a gene gun. Various vaccines were tested, each containing gp 120 from a different strain of HIV, or multiple gp 120 genes from different strains in the same vector. In this project the sera from the rabbits were examined and the antibody titer raised against the foreign protein was evaluated by ELISA assay. The data showed that an antibody response to gp 120 was successfully produced in rabbits by immunization with each vaccine.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Johnson, Ryan Philip

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 01D318M

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2001

Sponsor

• UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA

Date created

• 2001-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright