Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acids which code for secretory fusion proteins to elicit immune responses. The secretory fusion protein comprises a signal sequence from a secretion competent protein, particularly a cytokine, which is linked in frame with the coding sequence of the antigen of interest which is normally intracellular. The nucleic acid encoding such a fusion protein is significantly more effective in its ability to elicit antibody production than the nucleic acid encoding the intracellular antigen. The present invention thus provides for a method of generating antibodies as well as a method of eliciting protective immune response using such nucleic acids. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising these nucleic acids.

Abstract: An expression cassette is disclosed which is useful for the secretion of a heterologous protein from mammalian and insect cells. The expression cassette comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a secretion competent polypeptide which is linked in frame to a heterologous gene sequence. Also disclosed is a method of secreting heterologous proteins in mammalian and insect cells using the expression cassette.

Abstract: An baculovirus artificial chromosome is disclosed which has the lef-8 gene inactivated. The baculovirus artificial chromosome allows the cloning and expression of heterologous genes in insect and mammalian cells without killing the host cells. Also disclosed is an infectious baculovirus comprising the artificial chromosome and a cell containing the chromosome. Also disclosed is an insect cell which expresses the LEF-8 gene in the absence of a baculovirus chromosome. Also disclosed is a method to express heterologous proteins in eukaryotic cells using the baculovirus artificial chromosome.

Abstract: An expression cassette useful for the secretion of a heterologous protein from eukaryotic cells comprising a DNA sequence encoding a promoter functionally linked to a DNA sequence coding for the juvenile hormone esterase gene which is linked in frame to a heterologous gene is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of secreting heterologous proteins in eukaryotic cells.