ABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>To investigate expression of IL-6 in non?replicating vaccinia virus and its immune effects on recombinant virus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The recombinant non replicating vaccinia virus RVJ123 delta CK11 beta 75IL6 was constructed with non?replicating vaccinia virus vector pNEOCK11beta75IL6 and replicating vaccinia virus RVJ123. In animal model, immunization with the recombinant virus was carried out and its immune response was studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The recombinant virus could express IL-nd HBsAg simultaneously. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that the genes between vaccinia virus Hind? C and K fragments were deleted and IL-6 gene was integrated stably. Given intranasal inocula of the virus to immunize BALB/c mouse and New Zealand Rabbit, the elevated anti-HBsAg IgA and IgG antibody secreting cells in mouse lung lymphoid to vectors expressing IL-6 was at about two?fold higher level than those elicited by control virus at day 14 after immunization. Authors also could detect elevated anti-HBsAg IgA and IgG antibody conversion in mouse serum and lung fluid, rabbits serum, lung fluid, saliva, vagina and nasal washing samples.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>IL-6 expressed by non-replicating recombinant vaccinia virus could enhance the induced?immune effects, it could serve as the effective adjuvant for recombinant vector vaccine.</p>