TWO-STEP IMMUNIZATION PROCEDURE AGAINST THE PYRAMYXOVIRIDAE FAMILY OF VIRUSES USING ATTENUATED VIRAL STRAINS AND SUBUNIT PROTEIN PREPARATION

摘要

An immunization strategy to provide protection against disease caused by infection with paramyxoviridae viruses, specifically respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza virus (PIV), is described. A priming administration of a live attenuated strain of RSV or PIV first is made to the host followed by a booster administration of at least one purified RSV or PIV protein or immunogenic fragment thereof, which may be adjuvanted with alum. This immunization strategy provides a safe and effective means of controlling disease caused by RSV and PIV infections. The strategy leads to a stronger protective immune response than other strategies and to the induction of a more balanced Th-1/Th-2 type response than previously attained.