Recombinant Double-Stranded RNA Phage, and Use of the Same

Abstract

A recombinant double stranded RNA (dsRNA) phage expresses dsRNA-encoded genes in eukaryote cells. Recombinant dsRNA phage are useful for the expression of dsRNA expression cassettes encoding passenger genes, such as, but not restricted to, vaccine antigens, bioactive proteins, immunoregulatory proteins, antisense RNAs, and catalytic RNAs in eukaryotic cells or tissues. Methods are provided to deliver recombinant dsRNA phage to eukaryotic cells and tissues, either by direct administration, formulated in lipid or polylactide-coglycolide, or by utilizing a bacterial vaccine vector.

1 - 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . A method of raising an immune response in an animal, comprising providing said animal with a recombinant double stranded RNA (dsRNA) nucleocapsid with a P8 protein shell and three dsRNA segments, wherein
 i) at least one of said three dsRNA segments comprises a cap independent translation enhancer (CITE) operationally linked to a passenger gene; and   ii) said dsRNA nucleocapsid replicates in bacterial host cells.