Gene gun system for multiple antibody production

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The "gene gun" would allow for the generation of a large number of antibodies to many viral and cellular proteins. These reagents allow us to follow the fate of the various proteins in time and space (e.g. what cells) and interactions with other proteins. Traditionally, protein is injected into an animal to make antibodies. For this the protein is first purified from a cell or virus, or the gene for the protein is cloned into an expression vector which allows for synthesis of that protein, e.g. in a bacterial cell. In either case the protein is purified before use, a labour intensive process. Sometimes, an insufficient amount is produced, or, though rarely the protein might even be toxic to the animal. The "gene gun" approach bypasses this traditional route by shooting DNA genes for the protein directly into the surface skin of an animal, a harmless process called DNA vaccination. In the gene gun case, once the gene enters a cell the protein will start to be expressed inside the animal and will stimulate the immune response to generate antibodies. The gene gun is also less invasive than injection of protein. The antibodies to be produced using this technology are needed for four research programs. P. Krell studies the replication of insect baculoviruses (potential as biological pesticides) in particular the temporal regulation and spatial distribution of different viral proteins in part to aid in defining the roles of the different proteins in the infection cycle. Dr É. Nagy is studying fowl (avian) adenoviruses (FAdV) and is trying to develop them as multivalent vaccine vectors against avian influenza (e.g. H5N1) and other avian disease agents. Dr. Sarah Wootton, a new faculty member, studies the infection and pathology of enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV) in trying to determine why it might cause the tumours. Dr. Ray Lu is studying herpesvirus infections, particularly the role of two cellular transcription factors, Zhangfei and Luman both in the cell and during virus infection. The antibodies generated against these viral and cellular proteins for all four studies would be used to follow their fate during viral infection or in the cell and this would give us a better understanding of viral diseases and offer clues on how to protect against them.