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PubMed1996

Changes in the incidences of the different serovars of Haemophilus paragallinarum in South Africa: a possible explanation for vaccination failures.

Infectious coryza remains an important disease in the poultry industry despite the long-term and widespread use of vaccines against its causative agent, Haemophilus paragallinarum, in South Africa. In order to detect antigenic changes between populations of H. paragallinarum isolated before the use of vaccines against infectious coryza in this country, and field isolates obtained after the introduction of infectious coryza vaccines, 106 different NAD-dependent isolates (of which 93 were identified as H. paragallinarum) from 63 different farms, and dating from 1972 to March 1995, were identified by means of rabbit antisera against serogroups A, B and C. Serogroup C isolates show weaker cross-protection, requiring the further subdivision of this serogroup into its four different serovars. The percentages of the different serovars obtained in the 1970s, confirmed previously published data on South African isolates. A tendency towards a decrease in the number of serogroup A and serovar C-2 isolates, and an increase in the percentage of serovar C-3 isolates, was noted among isolates of the 1980s. These changes were markedly enhanced in the isolates obtained from 1990 to March 1995. The percentage of serogroup A isolates decreased significantly from 34% in the 1970s to only 5% in the 1990s, and that of serovar C-2 isolates, from 31-18%, while the abundance of serovar C-3 isolates increased significantly from 31% in the 1970s to 73% in the 1990s. Serogroup B remained more or less constant and never reached more than 10% of the population. These results indicate the need for the incorporation of serovar C-3 in a vaccine for use in South Africa, particularly in those areas of the country from which isolates were collected during this study. Some of the NAD-dependent isolates obtained from poultry in South Africa between 1970 and 1995, were biochemically identified as Pasteurella avium and P. volantium. As H. avium has been subdivided and reclassified into the genus Pasteurella, this represents the first report of the identification of P. avium and P. volantium in South Africa.

Agglutination Tests↗

PubMed1997

Besnoitia sp. (Protozoa:Toxoplasmatinae) from Akodon montensis (Rodentia:Cricetidae) in Santa Catarina State, Brazil.

Tissue cysts of Besnoitia sp. were found in muscles and several organs from a naturally infected Akodon montensis captured in the rural area of the municipality of Timbó, Santa Catarina State, in southern Brazil. Indirect fluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays carried out with sera from mice chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii and Besnoitia sp. showed, as expected, a stronger reaction against homologous than heterologous antigens. No cross-protection was observed in mice immunized with T. gondii when challenged with Besnoitia sp. This is the first description of a natural infection of A. montensis by parasites of the genus Besnoitia sp. in Brazil.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

A field study on Nakayama and Beijing strains of Japanese encephalitis vaccines.

A field study to compare the immune response of children aged 1-6 years to Nakayama and Beijing strains JE vaccines was carried out in Mae Hong Son Province, northwest Thailand, where there was low incidence of JEV infection. The first and second dose of each vaccine was given 1-2 weeks apart and the third dose was 1 year after the second dose. Seroconversion rate was similarly high, about 94% in both groups of vaccinees. At 6 and 12 months after 2 doses of vaccines, the seroconversion rates dropped in both groups of vaccinees, so there were 10-20% of children (50-65% if cross protection was considered) susceptible to JEV infections during this period. After the third dose of vaccine, the seroconversion rate rose to 100% in both groups. The GMT in Bejing strain vaccinees were slightly higher than Nakayama strain JE vaccines. To reduce the number of susceptible children during 6-12 months after the second dose and for longer protection, the primary JE immunization should be 3 doses and the timing for the third dose should be at 6 months after the second dose. Either Nakayama or Beijing strain vaccine could be used in Thailand.

Antibodies, Viral↗

PubMed1997

The balance between nitric oxide and superoxide determines apoptotic and necrotic death of rat mesangial cells.

Nitric oxide (NO.) and superoxide (O2-) are inflammatory mediators. Their formation seems to be associated with apoptotic and/or necrotic cell death in diseases such as mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis in which the early phase of mesangiolysis is linked to significant NO. production. Notably, mesangial cells (MC) not only generate NO. but also O2- after cytokine stimulation. Here we investigated the interrelation between NO. and O2- in MC death by generating both radicals with the use of NO donors (S-nitrosoglutathione, spermine-NO) and O2(-)-generating systems (2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphtoquinone, hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase). Exogenously supplied NO. or O2- in a concentration-dependent manner induced apoptosis and/or necrosis. Apoptosis is characterized by chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation in contrast to necrotic cytoplasmatic membrane rupture. Noteworthy, coincubation of NO. and O2- was cross-protective. Maximum protection required the existence of a balanced NO./O2- ratio. Analysis in cytokine-stimulated MC suggests endogenous radical formation, which may participate in modulating apoptosis. Manipulation of the endogenous NO./O2- ratio by exogenous, sublethal S-nitrosoglutathione in addition to cytokines produced death, which was antagonized by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition. Moreover, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate supplementation, which down-regulates iNOS expression and blocks superoxide dismutase activity, initiates apoptosis. Our results imply the participation of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species in determining life and death of MC.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Nitric oxide as a factor in the antihypoxic effect of adaptation to physical loading].

It is known that adaptation to exercise enhances the organism resistance to acute hypoxia. However the mechanism of this cross protective effect have been insufficiently studied. The analysis of literature suggests that NO may play a role in the development of the antihypoxic effect of adaptation to exercise. The aim of the present study was to test this hypothesis: first, by evaluating the influence of NO donor and NO-synthase inhibitor on the antihypoxic effect of adaptation to exercise and, second, by evaluating the changes of NO production in acute hypoxia and after a course of adaptation to exercise. It was shown that the NO donor could both reproduce and considerably (three times) potentiate the antihypoxic effect of adaptation to exercise. At the same time, the NO-synthase inhibitor completely suppressed the development of the protective antihypoxic effect of adaptation. After adaptation to exercise, the cerebral NO production was unchanged, while the hepatic NO production doubled. Acute hypoxia induced a biphase change in tissue NO production; initial increase (twofold in the brain) preceded a decrease (by 25% in liver and 37% in the brain as compared to the control). Therefore, the increased NO production following adaptation to exercise can underlie the antihypoxic effect of such an adaptation.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1998

[Genomic subtypes of hepatitis C virus: epidemiology, diagnosis and clinical consequences].

Hepatitis C virus demonstrates a high degree of variability HCV isolates have been classified into at least six genotypes, according to the percentage of nucleotide sequence homology. Geographical differences in the distribution of virus genotypes are well documented. Types 1, 2 and 3 are the major types observed in Japan, Western Europe and North America; type 4 has been found in Central and Northern Africa and in the Middle East; type 5 has been described in South Africa, type 6 in South-East Asia. The relative prevalence of these genotypes varies between different regions. In the Indian subcontinent, subtype 1b seems to be the most prevalent type, but many isolates have been described, related to genotype 3, in Northern and Southern India, Pakistan and Nepal. HCV genotypes may have potential clinical implications: a) the association with the severity of liver disease is still controversial; b) the association between some genotypes, particularly 1b, and a poor response to interferon alpha therapy has been well established; c) genotyping may be useful for identifying some unusual modes of transmission of the virus. Finally, the variability of HCV virus has major implications for the design of new vaccines strategies since there is no cross-protection between different HCV types.

Genotype↗

PubMed1998

In vivo antiinfluenza virus activity of Kampo medicine Sho-seiryu-to through mucosal immune system.

The Kampo (Japanese herbal) medicine, Sho-seiryu-to, which has traditionally been used for the treatment of colds and bronchial asthma, showed potent antiinfluenza A and B virus activity through augmentation of production of antiviral IgA antibody in the nasal and bronchoalveolar cavities of mice when administrated orally before viral infection. Sho-seiryu-to also showed antiinfluenza virus activity against A virus H1N1 subtype infected in aged mice (approximately 6 months old) with an increase of antiviral IgA antibody in the bronchoalveolar wash of the treated mice by similar administration. When mice infected with mouse nonadapted influenza A virus H3N2 subtype before 14 days were secondarily infected with mouse adapted A/PR/8 (H1N1) virus and administered Sho-seiryu-to orally after the second infection, replication of the virus in both nasal and bronchoalveolar cavities was significantly inhibited. Sho-seiryu-to had no effect on the mice which were not primed with mouse nonadapted virus when administered after the infection of mouse-adapted A/PR/8 virus. Oral administration of Sho-seiryu-to caused increment of viral-specific IgA antibody secreting cells in mouse nasal lymphocyte. Sho-seiryu-to also augmented IL-2 receptor beta chain+ T-cells in Peyer's patch of the infected mice. Sho-seiryu-to also significantly reduced viral titer in the nasal washes of the infected ovalbumin-sensitized bronchial asthma model mice. Oral administration of Sho-seiryu-to before and after vaccination significantly augmented hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody in the serum by nasal inoculation of influenza HA vaccine, and significantly augmented nasal antiviral IgA antibody and bronchoalveolar and serum antiviral IgG antibodies even after secondary vaccination although induction of antiviral antibody by intranasal vaccination was insufficient without Sho-seiryu-to. These results suggest that Sho-seiryu-to is able to prevent influenza virus infection by cross-protection of subtypes of influenza A virus and B virus. Sho-seiryu-to is also useful for the treatment of influenza virus infection in hosts with a history of influenza virus infection and/or influenza vaccination and allergic pulmonary inflammation, such as bronchial asthma, and can be used as an adjuvant to nasally inoculated influenza HA vaccine.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Absence of direct relationship between intraperitoneal cellular influx and resistance to experimental peritonitis.

Intraperitoneal inflammation is an essential defence mechanism against microbial invasion of the abdominal cavity. We have recently demonstrated that a single contact with heat killed E. Coli or Staphylococcus aureus increased the intraabdominal leukocyte influx in rats later challenged by these microorganisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate some of the mechanisms of this phenomenon and to determine its effect on rats survival in an experimental model of peritonitis. The intraabdominal influx of leukocytes following intraperitoneal injection of E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus was stimulated by previous intraperitoneal injection of heat killed microbes. The phenomenon was not specific, pretreatment with E. Coli enhanced the intraperitoneal inflammatory reaction against Pseudomonas and vice versa. On the contrary, pretreating the rats with heat killed microorganisms specifically improved their survival after induction of peritonitis with live bacteria, there was no cross-protection. Heat killed staphylococcus aureus which stimulated a subsequent inflammatory reaction against heat killed E. Coli had no effect on the mortality rates of E. Coli peritonitis. In conclusion, there is no direct relationship between resistance to peritonitis and the amount of leukocytes migrating into the abdominal cavity.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Molecular, clinical, and pathologic comparison of two distinct strains of Haemobartonella felis in domestic cats.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize 2 strains of Haemobartonella felis by use of molecular techniques. ANIMALS: 35 specific-pathogen-free cats, 6 months to 4 years old. PROCEDURE: Intraperitoneal or IV inoculation with blood containing H felis small form (Hfsm, 18 cats) or H felis large form (Hflg, 11 cats); 6 cats were uninfected controls. Hfsm was evaluated for capability to cross-protect against the more virulent Hflg. Morphology of both strains was compared by light microscopy of Wright-Giemsa-stained blood smears, and the 16S rRNA genes were sequenced. RESULTS: Infection with Hflg induced signs of depression, fever, and severe macrocytic normochromic anemia with nucleated erythrocytes. More than 95% of erythrocytes were parasitized. Inoculation with Hfsm and uninfected control blood induced mild or no clinical signs and no hematologic abnormalities. Anti-H felis IgG was first detected on postinoculation day (PID) 21, and increased to maximal titer of 400 by PID 28. Reactivated infection was observed in 8 of 29 cats (4 Hfsm and 4 Hflg), with 5% parasitized erythrocytes during the later attack. On PID 8, Hflg-inoculated cats had positive results of polymerase chain reaction analysis (PCR) that persisted until cats were treated with doxycycline or oxytetracycline; Hfsm-inoculated cats had positive PCR results that persisted for duration of observation (3 months). CONCLUSIONS: Genetically and morphologically distinct strains of H felis infect cats in the field. The level of genetic difference suggested that these strains may be different species or genera. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PCR is a critical diagnostic aid to detect occult Haemobartonella spp infection, as well as response to treatment and clearance of the organism.

Anaplasmataceae↗

PubMed1995

Protection from La Crosse virus encephalitis with recombinant glycoproteins: role of neutralizing anti-G1 antibodies.

La Crosse virus, a member of the California serogroup of bunyaviruses, is an important cause of pediatric encephalitis in the midwestern United States. Like all bunyaviruses, La Crosse virus contains two glycoproteins, G1 and G2, the larger of which, G1, is the target of neutralizing antibodies. To develop an understanding of the role of each of the glycoproteins in the generation of a protective immune response, we immunized 1-week-old mice with three different preparations: a vaccinia virus recombinant (VV.ORF) that expresses both G1 and G2, a vaccinia virus recombinant (VV.G1) that expresses G1 only, and a truncated soluble G1 (sG1) protein prepared in a baculovirus system. Whereas VV.ORF generated a protective response that was mostly directed against G1, VV.G1 was only partially effective at inducing a neutralizing response and at protecting mice from a potentially lethal challenge with La Crosse virus. Nevertheless, a single immunization with the sG1 preparation resulted in a robust immune response and protection against La Crosse virus. These results indicate that (i) the G1 protein by itself can induce an immune response sufficient for protection from a lethal challenge with La Crosse virus, (ii) a neutralizing humoral response correlates with protection, and (iii) the context in which G1 is presented affects its immunogenicity. The key step in the defense against central nervous system infection appeared to be interruption of a transient viremia that occurred just after La Crosse virus inoculation.

Aging↗

PubMed1979

The relationship between the protective and cross-reacting antigens of Brucella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica 0:9 and Salmonella serotypes of Kauffmann-White group N.

Vaccination with killed cells of Brucella abortus, Yersinia enterocolitica 0:9 and Salmonella neusdorf evoked cross-reacting antibodies in guinea pigs but only the homologous antigen effectively produced protective immunity to Br. abortus. None of these preparations induced protective immunity to Y. enterocolitica in gerbils but all stimulated protective immunity to S. landau in Balb/c mice. The antigenic determinants responsible for protective immunity to salmonella infection were located on the cross-reacting lipopolysaccharide-peptide agglutinogens of the brucella, yersinia and salmonella organisms. The protective effect could be passively transferred by serum and was probably mediated by IgM antibodies.

Agglutination Tests↗

PubMed1978

Spinal cord protection during cross-fire irradiation of the intrathoracic esophagus: tube-tilt vs. Shielding.

The protection of the upper thoracic spine achieved by a tube-tilt technique was found to be comparable to that obtained from direct shielding during cross-fire therapy of the intrathoracic esophagus. An isocentric technique was utilized which included one anterior and two posterior-oblique fields. Significant underdosages to the esophagus at levels superior to the isocenter are caused by tube-tilt, whereas direct shielding resulted in a uniformity of esophageal doses to within 5%. The need for a tissue compensator for the anterior field must be assessed on an individual basis from off-axis treatment planning.

Esophageal Neoplasms↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Experimental recurrent otitis media induced by Haemophilus influenzae: protection and serum antibodies.

PURPOSE: To study whether acute otitis media caused by encapsulated or nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae confers cross-reactive protective immunity in an animal model system and to explore the possible involvement of various humoral specific antibodies in protection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were intrabullarly challenged with H influenzae type b and two different nontypeable H influenzae strains. One month after the initial infection, the animals were rechallenged ipsilaterally or contralaterally with either a homologous or heterologous strain, and the susceptibility to reinfection was investigated by otomicroscopy. RESULTS: The animals challenged and rechallenged with the type b strain were well-protected ipsilaterally and contralaterally, while the protection after homologous rechallenge with a nontypeable strain was partial in the ipsilateral ear and very poor in the contralateral ear. Middle ears previously infected with a nontypeable strain remained fully susceptible to infections with heterologous strains, but there was an indication of cross-protection in the animal groups where the first episode of acute otitis media was caused by type b and the second by a nontypeable strain. Using the Western blot technique and an enzyme linked immunosorbant assay, the serological response to different outer membrane proteins, especially protein D, of H influenzae during and after middle ear infection were investigated. The serological response from the type b infected animals were generally more distinct, while the antibody levels against protein D were lower in these groups compared with the groups infected with nontypeable strains. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that H influenzae type-b-induced experimental otitis media results in a better protection than a nontypeable-induced, and H influenzae b confers a cross protection.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Data security and protection in cross-institutional electronic patient records.

This paper aims at identifying the specific legal requirements concerning data security and data protection of patient health data that apply to a cross-institutional electronic patient record (EPR) and describes possible solutions for meeting these requirements. In Germany, the legal framework for such records provide that disclosure of patient health information to physicians of third-party institutions is only allowed in case that it is necessary for the joint treatment of the patient, i.e. in case of a "treatment connection". As a first step, the functionality of a remote-access architecture was proven allowing a one-way connection between the EPR systems of two health institutions in Germany, which jointly treat tumor patients. Besides, a signature system model for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of medical documents was developed and implemented in the existing information system architecture of the University Medical Center of Heidelberg. Especially in Germany, the legal framework for cross-institutional EPRs is very complex and has a considerable influence on the development and implementation of cross-institutional EPRs. However, its introduction is thought to be valuable, since a cross-institutional EPR will improve communication within shared care processes, and thus improve the quality of patient care.

Communication↗

PubMed2005

Myocardial protection with intermittent cross-clamp fibrillation: does preconditioning play a role?

OBJECTIVE: Previously, we showed intermittent cross-clamp fibrillation afforded equivalent protection to cardioplegia. This study examined whether protection induced by intermittent cross-clamp fibrillation involves an ischemic preconditioning mechanism. METHODS: Isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts were subjected to three different studies to determine: Study 1, whether a single intermittent cross-clamp fibrillation episode (10 min) and reperfusion (10 min) before prolonged ischemia acts as a preconditioning trigger for protection; Study 2, whether cardioprotection induced by intermittent cross-clamp fibrillation alone (no prolonged ischemia) involves a preconditioning mechanism; Study 3, whether intermittent cross-clamp fibrillation cardioprotection can be prevented by targeting putative components of the preconditioning mechanism (protein kinase C or the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel). Hearts were reperfused (60 min) and recovery of function (left ventricular developed pressure measured using an intraventricular balloon) and myocardial injury (creatine kinase leakage) were measured. RESULTS: In Study 1, recovery of function in the single intermittent cross-clamp fibrillation hearts was 61+/-3% (mean+/-SEM) (p<0.05) compared to 41+/-2% in control group; glibenclamide (a non-specific ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP))-channel blocker) prevented this preconditioning protection (37+/-4%). In Study 2, recovery of function in intermittent cross-clamp fibrillation hearts (62+/-3%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than intermittent cross-clamp fibrillation hearts treated with glibenclamide (33+/-2%) and ischemia hearts (30+/-5%). In Study 3, protection by intermittent cross-clamp fibrillation (60+/-3%; p<0.05) was attenuated by protein kinase C inhibition (chelerythrine, 34+/-3%) and mitochondrial K(ATP)-channel blockade (5-hydroxydecanoate, 27+/-4%) to levels not significantly different from that of ischemia hearts (25+/-4%). CONCLUSIONS: The cardioprotective efficacy of intermittent cross-clamp fibrillation was attenuated by protein kinase C inhibition or K(ATP)-channel blockade. Involvement of these putative preconditioning cascade components in association with cardioprotection induced by intermittent cross-clamp fibrillation, suggests a role for the ischemic preconditioning mechanism.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

The Fanconi anemia proteins FAA and FAC function in different cellular compartments to protect against cross-linking agent cytotoxicity.

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by chromosomal instability, bone marrow failure, and a high risk of developing malignancies. Although the disorder is genetically heterogeneous, all FA cells are defined by their sensitivity to the apoptosis-inducing effect of cross-linking agents, such as mitomycin C (MMC). The cloned FA disease genes, FAC and FAA, encode proteins with no homology to each other or to any known protein. We generated a highly specific antibody against FAA and found the protein in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of mammalian cells. By subcellular fractionation, FAA is also associated with intracellular membranes. To identify the subcellular compartment that is relevant for FAA activity, we appended nuclear export and nuclear localization signals to the carboxy terminus of FAA and enriched its localization in either the cytoplasm or the nucleus. Nuclear localization of FAA was both necessary and sufficient to correct MMC sensitivity in FA-A cells. In addition, we found no evidence for an interaction between FAA and FAC either in vivo or in vitro. Together with a previous finding that FAC is active in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus, our results indicate that FAA and FAC function in separate subcellular compartments. Thus, FAA and FAC, if functionally linked, are more likely to be in a linear pathway rather than form a macromolecular complex to protect against cross-linker cytotoxicity.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed2001

Protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding antigen 85A from Mycobacterium bovis BCG against Buruli ulcer.

Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is characterized by deep and necrotizing skin lesions, mostly on the arms and legs. Together with tuberculosis and leprosy, this mycobacterial disease has become a major health problem in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in central and western Africa. No specific vaccine is available for Buruli ulcer. There is, however, evidence in the literature that suggests a cross-reactive protective role of the tuberculosis vaccine M. bovis BCG. To identify potential mechanisms for this cross-protection, we identified and characterized the M. ulcerans homologue of the important protective mycobacterial antigen 85 (Ag85A) from BCG. The homologue is well conserved in M. ulcerans, showing 84.1% amino acid sequence identity and 91% conserved residues compared to the sequence from BCG. This antigen was sufficiently conserved to allow cross-reactive protection, as demonstrated by the ability of M. ulcerans- infected mice to exhibit strong cellular immune responses to both BCG and its purified Ag85 complex. To further address the mechanism of cross-reactive protection, we demonstrate here that prior vaccination with either BCG or plasmid DNA encoding BCG Ag85A is capable of significantly reducing the bacterial load in the footpads of M. ulcerans- infected mice, as determined by Ziehl-Neelsen staining and by actual counting of CFU on 7H11 Middlebrook agar. Together, the results reported here support the potential of a cross-protective Ag85-based future vaccine against tuberculosis, Buruli ulcer, and leprosy.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2005

DNA vaccine expressing the mimotope of GD2 ganglioside induces protective GD2 cross-reactive antibody responses.

The GD2 ganglioside expressed on neuroectodermally derived tumors, including neuroblastoma and melanoma, is weakly immunogenic in tumor-bearing patients and induces predominantly immunoglobulin (Ig)-M antibody responses in the immunized host. Here, we investigated whether interconversion of GD2 into a peptide mimetic form would induce GD2 cross-reactive IgG antibody responses in mice. Screening of the X(15) phage display peptide library with the anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) 14G2a led to isolation of mimetic peptide 47, which inhibited the binding of 14G2a antibody to GD2-positive tumor cells. The peptide was also recognized by GD2-specific serum antibodies from a patient with neuroblastoma, suggesting that it bears an internal image of GD2 ganglioside expressed on the tumor cells. The molecular basis for antigenicity of the GD2 mimetic peptide, established by molecular modeling and mutagenesis studies, led to the generation of a 47-LDA mutant with an increased mimicry to GD2. Immunization of mice with peptide 47-LDA-encoded plasmid DNA elicited GD2 cross-reactive IgG antibody responses, which were increased on subsequent boost with GD2 ganglioside. The vaccine-induced antibodies recognized GD2-positive tumor cells, mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity, and exhibited protection against s.c. human GD2-positive melanoma growth in the severe combined immunodeficient mouse xenograft model. The results from our studies provide insights into approaches for boosting GD2 cross-reactive IgG antibody responses by minigene vaccination with a protective epitope of GD2 ganglioside.

Amino Acid Sequence↗