Enhanced immune response in bovine species

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of immune activation which is effective for eliciting a non-antigen-specific immune response in a member of the bovine species. The method is particularly effective for protecting a member of the bovine species from infectious disease and treating animals inflicted with infectious disease.

1 . A method for treating bovine respiratory disease in cattle comprising administering an immunomodulator composition comprising:
 a. a cationic liposome delivery vehicle; and   b. a nucleic acid molecule   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the liposome delivery vehicle comprises lipids selected from the group consisting of multilamellar vesicle lipids and extruded lipids. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the liposome delivery vehicle comprises pairs of lipids selected from the group consisting of DTMA and cholesterol; DOTAP and cholesterol; DOTIM and cholesterol; and DDAB and cholesterol. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid molecule is a bacterially-derived nucleic acid vector or a fragment thereof that does not code for an immunogen. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein administration is selected from the group consisting of intravenously, intramuscularly, intradermal, intraperitoneal, subcutaneously, by spray/aerosol, orally, intraocularly, intratracheally, and intranasal. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the immunomodulator composition further comprises a biological agent selected from the group consisting of an immune enhancer proteins, immunogens, vaccines, antimicrobials and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the bovine respiratory disease is caused by a viral infection and/or bacterial infection. 
     
     
         8 . A method for reducing clinical signs caused by  Mannheimia haemolytica  in cattle comprising administering an immunomodulator composition comprising:
 a. a DOTIM and a cholesterol lipid combination; and   b. a bacterially-derived nucleic acid vector or a fragment thereof that does not code for an immunogen.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the immunomodulator composition further comprises a biological agent. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the biological agent is selected from the group consisting of an immune enhancer proteins, immunogens, vaccines, antimicrobials and any combination thereof.