Version 2.1.0.0

Abstract

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Alzheimer's disease (AD) and inclusion body myositis (IBM) share a number of common pathologies such as deposits of amyloid beta-protein (AB) and paired helical filaments, although such pathologies are mostly restricted to brain for AD and to muscle for IBM. Transgenic mice (Tg 13592) that express the 99-amino acid carboxyl-terminal fragment (C99) of AB precursor in the brain and skeletal muscle develop pathologies remarkably similar to those in IBM and show memory deficits resembling the early stages of AD. Induction of an immune response in several animal models of AD by repeated needle injection or nasal administration with synthetic A13 has prevented or reduced AD-like pathology and memory deficits. The long-term objective is to evaluate the efficacy of topical application (skin-patch) of vector-based vaccines in the prevention and treatment of AD and IBM. The Specific Aims are to construct adenovirus vectors encoding all or part of AB or C99 and to determine serum titers against the antigens in the Tg13592 mice immunized by the skin-patch. The procedure eliminates problems associated with needle injections, requires no specially trained personnel and equipment, and so may reduce medical costs. This novel vaccination modality may have benefit to patients with these diseases and commercial value. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: NOT AVAILABLE

Thesaurus Terms:
Alzheimer's disease, active immunization, amyloid protein, myositis, transdermal drug delivery, vaccine development, vector vaccine
Adenoviridae, disease /disorder prevention /control, drug screening /evaluation, muscle protein
laboratory mouse

Institution:	VAXIN, INC.
	500 BEACON PKY W
	BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209
Fiscal Year:	2002
Department:
Project Start:	15-APR-2002
Project End:	31-MAR-2004
ICD:	NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
IRG:	ZRG1