MXPA99010944A - Processes for production of immunoglobulin a in milk - Google Patents

Abstract

La presente invención proporciona un proceso para la producción de inmunoglobulina A, a partir de mamíferos hiperinmunizados, utilizando un protocolo de inmunización de 3 rutas. También se proporcionan la inmunoglobulina A y la leche que contiene la inmunoglobulina A, producida mediante los procesos de la invención. Estos productos sonútiles en la producción de formulacionesútiles para la inmunización pasiva contra patógenos selectos.

Description

PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN A IN MILK TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to processes for the production of immunoglobulin A in mammals, to processes for the production of milk containing immunoglobulin A and to the uses of immunoglobulin A and the milk produced.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a well documented immunoglobulin present in almost all body fluids. It is thought that it plays a major role in protecting the host against infection by pathogenic organisms that invade via the mucosal surfaces of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. IgA participates in the clearing of pathogenic bacterial, viral or parasitic organisms, and a variety of antigens ingested or inhaled from mucosal surfaces, through the neutralization of toxins and viral particles, the inhibition REF .: 32181 of the adherence of bacterial pathogens and prevention of colonization and penetration of mucosal surfaces by pathogenic microorganisms. The key role of immunoglobulins including IgA in milk is therefore to provide local protective immunity in the gastrointestinal tract of the progeny during the period of suckling. - Immunoglobulins have come to be recognized as useful in the pharmaceutical and veterinary fields for the treatment of bacterial or viral infections of the intestine, and more generally in the treatment of disease and inflammation. Over the years, various techniques for the production of immunoglobulins have been proposed. A particularly popular method is for the induction and harvest of immunoglobulins from ruminant milk. This procedure has particular advantages, since the immunoglobulin produced in the milk is in a form suitable for immediate consumption, or it can be processed into appropriate formulas or appropriate products. This is safe to use and the industrial infrastructure for the production of milk containing antibodies is already in place.

The immune system of ruminants seems to differ from its human counterpart in that the immunoglobulin dominant in bovine breast secretions is IgGi. Consequently, the main focus of the production of antibodies in milk by active immunization has been on immunoglobulins G, although theoretically, the preferred immunoglobulin would be IgA for the reasons described above. Some attempts have been made to produce increased levels of IgA in ruminant milk. Proposals for vaccination have been suggested by a simple route of administration such as parenteral, subcutaneous, intravenous, systemic, oral, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, intramammary and the like. In general, these administration routes have resulted in the predominant production of IgG ?. Systemic immunization produced IgA and IgM in milk, but only at low concentrations. The response was increased when the intramuscular / subcutaneous immunization processes were combined (IM) and intramammary (IMM) (Am. J. Vet. Res1). Combinations of intraperitoneal (IP) and intramammary (IMM) infusion have also been shown to produce IgA and IgGx (Immunology7; Res. In Vet. Sci8, Res. In Vet. Sci. The Ruminant Immune System in Health and Disease It is noted that this route leads to the limited improvement of IgA production (The Ruminant Immune System in Health and Disease10). A combination of IM and IMM immunization gave rise to a predominance of IgGi in the milk (Aus. J. Da'iry Technology6), as well as an overall increase in the levels of IgG2, IgA and IgM (Am. J. Vet. ). Significance was also noted between the animal variability in the antibody titers produced. The predominance of IgGi production is consistent with the findings that the IgGs produced are the major immunoglobulins in mammary secretions of ruminants. In general, intra-animal immunization techniques have not been preferred as a route for vaccination under field conditions due to the high probability of mammary infection (Aus J. Dairy Technology6). However, another work suggests that this can not be the case (Am. J. Vet. Res1). It should be noted that much of the published literature concerning the production of immunoglobulin in secretions of mammary glands is aimed at the prevention of the disease in animals or their progeny. Little is directed to the production of milk enriched in immunoglobulin for the purpose of obtaining the immunoglobulins themselves. An exception to this is a process for the production of a protein concentrate containing immunological factors of lactic origin in Swiss Patent No. 1,573,995. Almost 20 years ago, this patent described a process for the production of milk with a high titer of antibodies, by intracisternal instillation within the mammary gland, parenteral injection (subcutaneous, intravenous), injection into the retro-nodal ganglionic system by scarification, by oral ingestion or by a combination of several of these modes. The only specific immunization protocol for obtaining colostrum and transition milk described, involved about 11 steps of immunization in a period of 8 weeks before delivery. This protocol comprises multiple parenteral administration steps (including intravenous), with several IMM administration steps interspersed, and requires 2 steps of oral administration in the week prior to delivery. This protocol is not in widespread use today. The immunization plan is onerous because of the number of steps involved and in fact it is not optimized for the production of immunoglobulin A. Of course, the patent fails to suggest that IgAs are preponderant in the breast milk of ruminants; a poor conception that may have resulted from the knowledge that IgA is predominant in human milk. As stated in other teachings (see, for example, Aus. J. Dairy Technology6), IgG is the predominant immunoglobulin produced in breast milk. It has also been shown in recent years that the oral distribution of antigens results in little or no increase in IgA titers in mammary secretions, when compared to non-inoculated controls (Am. J. Vet. Res. 1). that the presence of the rumen can prevent the antigen from reaching the small intestine.Accordingly, the oral administration step explained by Hilpert is now contradicted.Similarly, intravenous injection in general could not be recommended for the purpose of immunization due to possible effects Adverse events such as anaphylactic shock (Cold Spring Harbor18, ILAR Journal19) There is currently a need for a process to induce, and produce IgA in milk at higher levels than those previously obtained by known processes of antigen administration. process that further reduces between animal variability in the production of IgA, is also desirable. commercial that optimizes the production of IgA while simplifying the immunization protocol is also sought. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a process for the induction and production of immunoglobulin A in milk, which goes some way towards overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice. Accordingly, it can be said that the present invention consists largely of a process for the induction of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in a mammal, which process comprises: a) actively immunizing ~ a mammal engrafted with an antigen, by either two administration routes selected from intramammary (IMM), intraperitoneal (IP) and intramuscular (IM); and b) actively immunizing said mammal with an antigen by a third route of administration selected from intramammary (IMM), intraperitoneal (IP) and intramuscular (IM); with the condition that the three administration routes are different. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a process for the production of mammalian milk containing immunoglobulin A (IgA), which process comprises: a) the induction of IgA according to the process described above; and b) the collection of milk containing IgA from the animal. Preferably, the initial immunization protocol is followed by a schedule of booster immunizations over the prepartum period. In a preferred process of the present invention, the antigen administered is the same for each route of administration. Preferably, the antigen administered is emulsified in an adjuvant. A particularly preferred adjuvant is incomplete Freund's adjuvant (FIC). In one embodiment of the invention, IgA can be isolated from the collected mammalian milk. The isolated IgA can be purified if desired. In a further aspect, the present invention provides mammalian milk containing IgA produced according to the processes of the invention. In a further aspect, the present invention provides IgA produced according to the processes of the invention. Preferred mammals for use in the processes of the present invention are ruminants, especially dairy cows. The present invention further provides the use of immunoglobulin A produced according to the processes of the invention, in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and veterinary compositions, as well as in food products including functional foods and diet supplements. Although the present invention is broadly defined as described above, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto and that, also includes the modalities of which the following description gives examples. In particular, preferred aspects of the invention will be described in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a typical immunoglobulin dilution curve for a positive control sample in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgA with e . col i, in sheep. Figure 2 shows the anti-E IgA titers. right milk gland coli (immunized) for all groups on Day 0, day 5, week 2 and week 4 after delivery. Figure 3 contrasts milk responses with anti-E IgA. col i from the right gland (immunized) and left gland (untreated) on Day 0. Figure 4 shows the anti-B IgA responses. col i for individual sheep, with the right glands (immunized) on day 1 after delivery. The effect of the immunization route is described. Figure 5 shows the anti-E responses. col i for individual sheep with right glands (immunized) on day 2 after parturition. Figure 6 shows the IgA antibody titers of right-sided (immunized) anti-3K milk from diarrhea, for all groups on days 0 and 5. Figure 7 shows the IgA antibody titers of left-sided milk and right (immunized) anti-3K gland of diarrhea, for all groups on Day 0. Figure 8 shows a typical dilution curve for the positive and negative control samples in the IgA ELISA against sheep TNF. Figure 9 shows the analyzes of the individual samples of the responses of the title of IgA anti-TNF in the right gland (immunized) 1 day after parturition, of milk samples for each of the immunization groups. Figure 10 shows the data for the anti-TNF titers of the samples from day 1 after delivery from the right gland (immunized) and left (untreated). Figure 11 shows the relationship of anti-TNF IgA to the lactation stage. Figure 12 shows a typical dilution curve for the positive and negative control samples in the IgA anti-C ELISA. albicans Figure 13 shows the anti-C IgA antibody titer. albicans of right gland milk (IMM immunogen in FIC) for all groups on days 1, 2, 7, 14 and 60. Figure 14 contrasts the anti-C IgA response. albicans in the left gland (IMM aqueous immunogen) and the right glands (immunogen IMM FIC) over the period of lactation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The term "lec e" used herein refers to milk and colostrum in the form in which it is produced by the mammal.The term "antigen" as used herein refers to any material capable of inducing an antigenic response in a treated mammal. In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a process for the induction of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in a mammal. As a first step the method comprises actively immunizing a mammal pregnant with an antigen, by either of two selected intramammary (IMM) administration routes, intraperitoneal (IP) and intramuscular (IM). As a second step the mammal is again actively immunized by a third route of administration selected from the routes given above. The condition for this process is that the three selected administration routes are different. Applicants have surprisingly found that the use of the three administration routes increases the levels of IgA antibody titers above what can be expected by simply combining the processes with two known administration routes, with a third route of administration. administration, or at least decrease the variability between animals in the IgA antibody titer response. It can be appreciated by the reader that the ordering of the routes and the synchronization of the administration is not crucial for the process for the induction of immunoglobulin A. In addition, immunizations through the different routes can 'be carried out sequentially, discontinuously or concurrently. A currently preferred immunization protocol is for concurrent IM and IP immunization, followed by IMM immunization. IM and IP immunizations effectively act to prepare or prime the response of the immune system. Immunization IMM is a localized challenge to induce the production of IgA in that immunized region. In a further preferred embodiment, the initial immunization protocol is followed by a number of booster doses of the antigen over the prepartum period. The amounts of antigen introduced, the frequency (time interval), and the number of booster doses can vary widely. For example, from a simple reinforcement via a simple administration route on one occasion, to multiple reinforcements via each of the three administration routes on many different occasions. The reinforcements are generally spaced to suit the convenience of the operator. To avoid local irritation and congestion, it is usually preferred that reinforcements at the same site are not given more frequently than every third week. A preferred regimen requires immunization of concurrent IM and IP on two separate occasions, followed by IMM immunization on one occasion. That is, effectively two steps of preparation or preparation followed by the local challenge. The first preparation step is generally carried out 2 to 8 weeks before the second preparation and the challenge steps. These last steps are desirably brought to Cairo concurrently. A convenient protocol is for the first step of preparation, to be carried out 6 to 14, preferably 8 to 12, and more preferably 8 weeks before parturition, and the second local preparation / challenge step to be carried out 2 to 10 weeks, preferably 4 to 8 and more preferably, 4 weeks before of childbirth However, as noted above, synchronization is not crucial. A second preferred regimen is-for the initial immunization 6 to 14, preferably 8 to 12 and more desirably, 8 weeks before parturition, followed by 1 6 2 reinforcements via each of the three routes of administration, in 1 3 times before delivery The final immunization will generally be given 1 to 2 weeks before delivery, Particularly preferred is a regimen that requires additional preparation and local challenge step, such that at 8 weeks prior to delivery (l8 weeks) there is a concurrent IM and IP immunization, followed by concurrent IM / IP and IMM immunizations at least 4 weeks-s, a second IMM immunization at least 2 weeks, and a concurrent, final, IM and IP immunization. at least one week.An additional preferred regimen is for IM / IP initial immunizations to be performed at 12 weeks prior to parturition, and the second local preparation / challenge step at 8 weeks prior to delivery, a second IMM immunization at at least 6 weeks, and a concurrent IM / IP immunization, final at least 4 weeks. It will be appreciated from the foregoing that a wide variation in the timing of immunizations is feasible, generally beginning at 14 weeks prior to delivery, but preferably 12 to 8 weeks prior to delivery. Subsequent to parturition, decreasing antibody levels can be increased by periodically introducing boosters of the selected antigen within the mammal during the lactation period according to the equivalent prepartum protocols described above. In general, this involves between 1 to 6, preferably 2 to 4, and more preferably 2 or 3, IM and IP immunizations concurrent in the lactation phase after delivery, together with an IMM immunization in the involution stage of lactation. In a further embodiment of the invention, the procof the invention further comprises a preselection step. In this step, the individual animals are tested and selected for their ability to produce IgA. As noted above, there is considerable variability among animals for the production of immunoglobulins. This pre-selection step, in which the animals that show the best IgA antibody titre responses are selected, helps to reduce the variability factor between animals. This proccan similarly be used to constitute groups of animals particularly suitable for the production of IgA. Procs for IM, IP and IMM administration are well known in the art. For IM immunization, it is generally preferred that more than one site be used for administration by this proc The preferred sites for IM administration are the left and right sides of the brachiocephalic muscle (ie, two sites in a muscle). For IP immunization, administration within the peritoneal cavity, generally in only one site, is currently preferred. Desirably, the administration is in the sub-lumbar fossa. The precise administration sites for these routes can, of course, vary according to known administration protocols. The amount and form of the antigen administered will also vary according to the antigen used and the mammal to be immunized, according to known vaccine formulations. In general, the antigen is injected using the syringe and needle for the IM and IP routes and the polyethylene surgical pipe of fine internal diameter, fitted to a syringe for the IMM route, or alternatively an intra-beige, sterile, conventional applicator. For IMM immunization, the antigen is generally administered via the major lactiferous duct or the supramammary lymph node. Preferably, via the orifice of the teat inside the teat canal. For better results it is also preferred that each mammary gland be immunized on each occasion. This maximizes the localized IgA response, mounted on the mammal. The volume of the injected antigen will vary according to the mammal and the immunization route. Table 1 below is a summary of the injection volumes for sheep and cows immunized via the IM, IP and IMM routes.

Table 1 Ove j a IM IP IMM Volume 1.0 ml (per site) 1.0 ml 1.0 ml (per gland) Maximum volume 5.0 ml 2.5 ml 2.0 ml (per gland) Cows IM IMM IMM Volume 2.0 ml (per site) 4.0 ml 2.0 ml (per gland) Maximum volume 8.0 ml 10.0 ml 5.0 ml (per gland) Typically for bovine immunization, the antigen is administered at 2 ml per site and 2 sites for IM, 4 ml in 1 site for IP and 2 ml in each of the four glands for IMM. Contrary to conventional wisdom, field tests show that there is no significant risk of infection using intramammary immunization with the proviso that appropriate precautions are taken. For example, care must be taken in sterilizing the glands before immunization. Appropriate sterilization methods are known in the art. For example, washes with ethanol / iodine will serve this purpose. An additional precaution is to ensure that the antigen is administered in an antibiotic-containing solution. Suitable antibiotics include dupocillin and ampicillin and clavulox L.C. Mammals selected for use in the process of the invention will generally be economically useful mammals, such as ruminants. Examples of preferred ruminants for use are cows, goats, and sheep. The term "antigen" as used herein, refers to any material capable of inducing an antigenic response in treated mammalian E. Antigens can be selected according to the ultimate utility of the IgA formulation. if the formulation is to be used for the generation of passive immunity, the antigen against which such immunity is sought must be used Antigenic substances that can be used in the process of the invention include bacteria, viruses, yeasts, icoplasmas, proteins , haptens, animal tissue extracts, plant tissue extracts, spermatozoa, fungi, pollens, powders, chemical antigens and mammalian cells Where haptens are to be used as antigens, they must first be conjugated to carrier substances such as proteins using chemical procedures well known to those skilled in the art (ILAR Journal19) .The bacterial antigens Useful species include Escherichia species, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella and Pneumonococcus. Particularly preferred bacterial antigens are Escherichia coli, Clostridium difficile, Vibrio cholerae and Helicobacter pylori. Preferred yeast antigens include Candida species. A particularly preferred yeast antigen is Candida albicans. Useful viral antigens include rotavirus, herpes, smallpox, rhinopneumonitis, coronavirus, parvovirus, and influenza. Protein antigens include tumor necrosis factor, insulin-like growth factors, and somatostatin, viral or bacterial cell surface proteins, and conjugated protein antigens. Chemical antigens include pollens, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, and toxins. Complex antigens comprising a combination of two or more antigens of the identified types are also feasible. A preferred complex antigen of this type is 3K Scourguard (SmithKline Beccham, Royal Oak, Auckland, New Zealand). The vaccine contains pathogenic E. coli, bovine rotavirus, and coronavirus. Useful mycoplasma antigens include my copl asthma pneumoni ae and cryptospori di um parvum. In general, the antigenic substances are suspended in liquid medium for infusion or injection according to known protocols. Any suitable carriers, diluents, buffers, and adjuvants, known in the art, can be used. Suitable suspension liquids include saline, water, and physiological buffers. The use of adjuvants is also desirable.

Adjuvants suitable for use with the antigens of the invention include Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), incomplete Freund's adjuvant (FIC), adjuvant 65, subunit B of cholera toxin, alhydrogel; or edge tell a pertussi s, muramilo dipeptide, cytokines and saponin. The oil-based adjuvants and in particular FCA and FIC are preferred. Prior to injection, antigens in appropriate carriers are typically emulsified with an oil-based adjuvant (FIC is preferred) using a laboratory homogenizer. An aqueous antigen is typically mixed with three volumes of adjuvant oil and emulsified until a stable water-in-oil emulsion is formed or is demonstrated using tests well known in the art. Conventional wisdom has also taught that the use of oil-based adjuvants with direct intramammary immunization was not feasible due to the risk of adverse reactions. The present applicants have found that not only is administration with oil-based adjuvants feasible under appropriate care conditions, but it is also desirable. The use of FIC can significantly improve the immunogenic response obtained for some antigens, particularly when administered by the IMM route. It is therefore currently preferred that the antigens be emulsified in FIC for all immunizations, except for small polypeptides where FCA may be preferable for the first IM / IP immunization. However, FCA has not been used for IMM. As noted above, the size and concentration of antigen doses are not critical and, it is known in the art that there is a dose range known as the window of immunogenicity for the antigen, and that it is generally relatively broad. . However, too much or too little antigen can induce suppression, tolerance or immune deviation towards cellular immunity, and far from the humoral immune response. Typically, the optimal doses of the protein antigens are of the order of 5 to 25 μg / kg of live weight in ruminants and for lyophilized dead, bacterial or viral antigens, doses ranging from Ix108 to 4x1010 organisms per ml are typical. As also noted above, in IMM immunization it is preferred that the antigen be further conformed in suspension with an antibiotic. Regarding the specific form of the antigen, it can be appreciated by the reader that live and dead vaccines are possible. Studies have shown that dead vaccines will stimulate IgG- responses. while live vaccines will stimulate IgG2 responses. For the production of IgA any alternative is possible. The antigen administered by each of the immunization routes can be the same or different. Accordingly, several different antigens may be administered by the three different immunization routes for each of the initial booster immunizations. However, it is currently preferred that the same antigen or combination of antigens be administered via the three routes on each occasion of immunization. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a process for the production of mammalian milk containing IgA, which method comprises the induction of IgA antibodies according to the process described above, and then collecting milk containing "IgA, The milk collection can be done using normal milking processes.The IgA titre responses are generally higher on the first day after parturition, after which these antibody levels fall between 5 to 20% of the Initial level This subsequent level is usually maintained for two or three months or until desiccation or involution.The IgA levels can be elevated in this period through booster immunizations as discussed above.The milk containing IgA can be collected Usefully throughout this period, this milk is useful in the form obtained directly from the mammal, but can be processed , if required, examples of processing steps include heat treatment, ultraviolet radiation, concentration, supplementation with food additives, drying in concentrates, milk powders and the like. As an additional step to the process of the invention, IgA can be isolated from milk. The isolation can be effected using separation techniques known in the art. For example, the isolation of rich fractions of immunoglobulin from whey in Can. J. Vet. Res21, European Patent 0,320,152, International Patent WO 97/27757, British Patent 2179947, from La Teche in Milchwissenschaft22, US Patent No. 4,229,342, from Colostrum in Agrie. Biol .. Chem.20, French Patent No. 2520235, New Zealand Patent No. 239466 and US Patent No. 4,582,580 and Milk and Colostrum in US Patent No. 4,644,056. Isolated IgA can be subsequently purified if desired. The purification can be carried out according to known techniques such as precipitation and ion exchange chromatography. Suitable techniques are described in the journals and patents referred to above. Immunoglobulin A, both isolated and purified, produced according to the additional process steps, also forms part of the present invention. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to mammalian milk containing IgA, produced according to the process of the invention. Processes for the production of protein concentrates containing immunoglobulins on a commercial scale are described in Swiss Patent No. 1,573,995 incorporated by reference herein. In summary, the process involves the collection of milk from milk-carrying females, hyperimmunized; the separation of cream and impurities, the coagulation of clarified and skim milk, the separation of casein, filtration, ultrafiltration and sterilization of whey proteins by filtration, evaporation- and drying of the product under non-denaturing conditions immunoglobulins, and which maintain sterility. In a further aspect, the present invention provides for the use of IgA in the form of milk, processed milk products, concentrates, isolated IgA ~ and purified IgA, produced according to the process of the invention. IgA has potentially wide applications in the fields of pharmaceutical, veterinary and cosmetic compositions, as well as in foods and dietary supplements. Such compositions, foods and supplements can be administered to patients (including human patients) who need them. More specifically, in the field of human health care, passive oral immunization has been widely known using milk immunoglobulins from specifically vaccinated cows. Given the significant role that IgA plays in prevention and enteric infections, formulations containing IgA may be effective in the treatment of patients susceptible to such enteric infections. All formulations containing IgA antibodies against enterotoxigenic gastric pathogens, including E. coli, rotavirus, Staphylococcus, are also possible.

Streptococcus, Aerobacter, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Hemophilus influenza, Proteus vulgaris, Shigella dysenteriae, Diplococcus pneumonaef coronavirus and Corynebacterium acne. Formulations that contain high levels of specific IgA for infants is an application. Infants are frequently very susceptible to enteric gastric disorders. Specific formulations containing anti-cryptosporidiosis IgA for protection against cryptosporidiosis infection in HIV and AIDS patients, is an additional possibility. The general formulations for the protection of travelers against diarrhea and general gastric disorders are also contemplated. Valuable formulations that contain antibodies against pneumococcus pylori-for protection against stomach ulcers are feasible.

Appropriate formulations can be produced based on the formulations of the known art. For example, formulations for the treatment of the following disorders are provided in the art: Treatment Reference _ Gastroenteritis Swiss Patent No. 1,573,995 Infantile gastroenteritis Eur. J. Pediatr14 by E. coli Enteric infections Advances in Exp. Med. & Biol.15 Enteric disease US Patent No. 5,066,491 Campylobacter jejuni J. Applied Bacteriology25 Shigella flexneri Am. J. Tropical medicine and Hygiene27 Diarrhea by rotavirus Indigenous Antimicrobial Agents23 Dental caries Infection and immunity28 Cryptosporidial diarrhea Lancet24, Gastroenterology29 Cryptosporidiosis in AIDS Archives of Disease in Childhood30 - -1 Gastroenteritis by J. Infectious Diseases16, J. rotavirus Clinical Microbiology17 H. pylori US Patent No. 5,260, 057 Respiratory Disease US Patent No. 5,066,491 Cryptosporidiosis • US Patent No. 5,066,491 A complete review of the use of bovine immunoglobulins to treat or prevent certain human diseases caused by H. pi l ori, C. parvum, E col i, S. fl exneri, C. diffi cil e, V. ch ol era e and rotavirus, is provided in the proceedings of the IDF seminar on indigenous antimicrobial agents in milk23. In a more general context, all pharmaceutical formulations containing IgA designed to the needs of the young, old, medically impaired, and terminally ill are desirable. The formulations of the invention have similar applications in the veterinary field. For example, in the preparation of formulations containing specific IgA antibodies against pathogenic microbiological agents such as E. coli, ro tavirus, coronavirus and other microbes that promote diarrhea, for the prevention and treatment of gastric disorders in neonatal cattle.

Formulations containing specific IgA antibodies against mycotoxins, phytotoxins, aflotoxins, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides are possible to block the absorption of these after oral ingestion. More generally, the formulations can be prepared by containing IgA against undesirable food ingredients to block their absorption. As in the pharmaceutical and veterinary formulations, the IgA antibodies produced according to the present invention have applications in the nutritional fields. This may be in the range of use of milk per se to specific formulations produced that contain high levels of IgA for well-being, for applications such as nutritional drinks and sports nutrition. Formulations containing specific IgA against common allergens such as pollens, dust and mites are possible for protection against allergy. Included herein are formulations containing specific antibodies against mycotoxins, phytotoxins, aflotoxins, pesticides, herbicides, environmental contaminants such as dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls and fungicides, to block the absorption of these compounds. Formulations against undesirable food ingredients such as cholesterol to block the absorption of these could also be particularly useful. In an additional aspect, the Specific IgA can be complexed to probiotic or developmental factors for the preparation of formulations for gastric wellness. In the veterinary corollary, formulations containing IgA are possible for nutritional support particularly of the economically important animal progeny such as lambs, lech-ones, calves, foals and chickens. Formulations consisting of specific IgA directed against undesirable food ingredients such as β-carotene to block the absorption of these may also be useful. An additional "application area" for the IgA product of the present invention is in formulations containing antibodies against skin or hair protein antigens for topical applications, against skin antigens that are complexed to the absorbing compounds of JJV such as zinc for long-term protection against sunburn and with specific IgA antibodies complexed to developmental factors for skin repair.The formulations can be prepared in the form of beverages, lotions, powders, creams and the like according to principles well known in the art Formulations may be for oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, rectal, topical, parenteral or other routes such as may be desired Formulations may include pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or, in the case of nutritional supplements, carriers nutritionally acceptable s Such carriers include aqueous solutions, non-toxic excipients, including salts, preservatives, and buffers. The formulations may include additives such as minerals, vitamins, flavoring agents, flavoring agents and the like. General assistance in the preparation of such formulations can be obtained from Remingtons Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16th Edition. Easton: Mac Publishing Company (1980); the National Formulary XIV, 14th Edition. Washington: American Pharmaceutical Association (1975); and Goodman and Gillmans The Pharmacological basis for Therapeutics (7th Edition) the contents of which are included by reference herein. Specific non-limiting examples of the invention will now be described.

EXAMPLE 1 64 pregnant female sheep were selected and divided into eight groups and immunized by intramuscular (IM), intraperitoneal (IP) or intramammary (IMM) routes or combinations of these three. For IMM immunization-the right gland was only immunized, while the left gland remained untreated and acted as the control.

Immunization Pro c y Group Immunication Path (n = 8) 1 IM 2 IP 3 IMM 4 IM / IP 5 IM / IMM 6 IP / IMM 7 IM / IP / IMM NIL (Control) The animals were immunized according to the following scheme.

Immunization Schedule I I I I I IV IV VI VI I -8 sem -4 sem -2 sem -1 sem 0 +4 sem +8 sem +12 sem Birth Weaning N IM-1 IM-2 IM-3 EM-4 IM-5 IM-6 IP-1 p > -2 p > -3 IP-4 BP-5 IP-6 EMM-1 IMM-2 IMM-3 An tí geno An E vaccine was used as an antigen. commercially available pathogen coli (Suvaxyn, Maternafend-; J &H Pacific Ltd, NZ). It is known that this vaccine has high concentrations of antigens K88, K99, 987P and F41 pili.

The details of the immunization protocols are as follows: Immunization, I.

IM / IP Reserve vaccine was emulsified with Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant (FIC, 1 part of vaccine: 3 parts of FIC). IM; 1 ml per site; 2 IP sites; 1 ml per site; 1 site Immunization II.

IM / IP Repeat IM / IP as for Immunization I.

IMM Reserve vaccine was diluted in sterile saline (1 part vaccine: 1 part saline). Antibiotic (Dupocillin) was added to IMM immunogen in the proportion of 1 ml of antibiotic: 30 ml of immunogen. IMM; 1 ml per gland; only right gland.

Immunization III IMM Repeat Immunization II for IMM only Immunization in IV, V and VI IM / IP Repeat Immunization I Immunization VII IM / IP and IMM Repeat Immunization II Es tude de Sal ud del Animal The general health of the female sheep in the test was checked periodically by regular weight checks and veterinary inspections. There was no discernible difference observed in weight gain / loss between the treatment groups. No adverse effects on immunization were observed. Two of the 64 female sheep were treated for mastitis, one Group 6 sheep (IP / IMM) and one Group 7 sheep (IM / IP / IMM). In total, no harmful effects of IMM immunization were noted.

Samples The female sheep were bled before Immunization I, II and IV, before delivery. The blood samples post-part and colostrum / milk (left and right mammary glands, separately) were collected on Day 0 (delivery), 1, 2, 3 and 5, then Week 1, 2 and 3, then Month 1, 2 and 3. The blood samples were collected on ice in vacuum tubes (vacutainers) with EDTA. The separated plasma was stored at -20 ° C for antibody analysis. Colostrum / milk samples from the left (untreated) and right (immunized) mammary glands (20-30 ml) were kept on ice until they were centrifuged (4 ° C, 20 minutes, 2,000 -n-1) to eliminate the fat. The skim supernatant was re-centrifuged (4 ° C, 1 hour, 40,000 Qma) to separate the whey / milk and the casein. The supernatant was stored at -20 ° C for the analysis of the antibodies.

Analysis of the samples All samples and reagents were diluted with 0.01 M phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.5) containing 0.05% v / v Tween 20 (PBS-T), and 1% w / v Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA; type A7030) , Sigma Chem. Co., USA) and all washes were carried out by an automatic plate washer (ELP-35, Bio Tek Instruments, USA) using PBS-T, unless otherwise indicated. ELISA plates (Maxisorp F-96 immunoplates, Nunc, Denmark) were coated with 100 μl of E antigen. coli (Suvaxyn Maternafend-4; J &H Pacific. Ltd, NZ) diluted 1: 1K in 0.05 M carbonate buffer (pH 9.6), incubated overnight at 4 ° C and washed three times. The activated sites remaining on the immunoplates were blocked by incubation for 2 hours at 22 ° C with 250 μl of PBS-T containing 1% w / v BSA. After washing the plates 2 times, 100 μl of the serial dilutions were added to 1 tenth of the test samples (primary antibody; 1: 100, 1: 1K, 1: 10K, 1: 100K) to the wells in duplicate . The plates were incubated 2 hours at 22 ° C, then washed 3 times. 100 μl of the second antibody consisting of heavy chain specific anti-sheep rabbit IgA (1: 200K; Bethyl Laboratories, USA) was added to the plates. The plates were incubated overnight at 4 ° C, then washed 3 times before the addition of 100 μl of the enzyme conjugate, goat anti-rabbit Ig conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (1: 8K, Dako, Denmark). After a 2 hour incubation at 22 ° C, the plates were washed 2 times with PBS-T, then 2 times with PBS that did not contain Tween 20 and filled with 100 μl of freshly prepared substrate solution. The substrate solution consisted of 0.1 g / 1 of 3, 3 ', 5, 5' -tetramethylbenzidine (Boehringer Mannheim, Germany) in 0.1M sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.5) containing 1.3 mmol / liter of hydrogen peroxide . After a 30 minute incubation at 22 ° C, 50 μl of the stop solution, 2M H2SO4 was added and the optical density (OD) was measured at 450 nanometers by an automated plate reader (EL311s, Bio Tek Instruments, USA) ). A sample for positive quality control (evaluated at 1: 100, 1: 1K, 1: 10K, 1: 100K and 1: 1000K) and a sample of negative quality control were run with each ELISA microplate. (evaluated at 1: 1K). The absorbance values of these control samples were used in the calculations to determine the antibody titers of the samples. The mean absorbance between the maximum absorbance of the positive control and the absorbance of the negative control gives a figure of 50%. The reciprocal dilution of the sample antibody equivalent to this absorbance figure of 50% is classified as the antibody titer for the sample. Figure 1 shows a typical dilution curve for the positive control sample in the anti-IgA ELISA. coli Res ulted The samples were initially evaluated as combined groups to obtain an overview of the group responses to the different immunization regimens. Figure 2 shows the anti-E IgA titers. col i of milk from the right gland (immunized) for all groups on Day 0, Day 5, Week 2 and Week 4. In all groups, IgA antibody titers of milk were highest on Day 0 (parturition) with levels falling over the first week. Group 7 (IM / IP / IMM) gave the best IgA response with a milk antibody titer of 105K. This was followed by Group 5 (IM / IMM) with a 50K title and Group 6 (IP / IMM) with a 22K title. The other groups gave a minimal response including Group 3 (IMM). By Day 5, IgA milk antibody titers in Groups 5, 6 and 7 have fallen to approximately 20% of the Day 0 titers, but by Week 4 the titers were still significant being approximately 3K. Figure 3 contrasts anti-E IgA responses. col i from the right gland (immunized) and the left gland (untreated) on Day 0. The IgA antibody titers of milk showed a marked difference in the response between the samples from the right (immunized) gland and the gland left (not treated). While the high titers were measured in milk samples from the right gland, from Groups 5, 6 and 7, the titres in the corresponding milk samples from the left gland were, at best, only 20% of these levels.

EXAMPLE 2 Analysis of individual samples of anti-IgA IgA titre responses was conducted. col i for each of the immunization groups of Example 1. The samples were analyzed using the ELISA assay according to the process of Example 1. The results for Day 0 and 1 are shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively.

Resulted In general agreement with the previous pooled data, titres were low in animals immunized via IM, IP or IMM routes, alone, and much higher in animals treated by the combination of IM / IMM, IP / IMM and IM / routes. IP / IMM (Mean ± standard error of the mean (se.) Of the antibody titers: 1 / 32,100 ± 1 / 13,500, 1 / 29,000 ± 1 / 12,000, 1 / 30,000 ± 1 / 7,300, respectively). No significant differences were observed in the mean IgA titre responses resulting from immunization for each of the three routes in combination. However, substantial intragroup variability was observed in the response of the titer, and mainly the standard error of the mean for the IM / IP / IMM group (1 / 7,300) was much lower than that calculated for the IM / IMM routes (1 / 13,500) and IP / IMM (1/12, 500). This pattern of the title response was maintained in Day 2 and subsequent milk samples. The data seem to indicate that immunization by the procedure in three IM / IP / IMM sites does not increase the magnitude of the response above those obtained with the IM / IMM and IP / IMM combinations, but it serves to decrease the variability between animals in the IgA response.

EXAMPLE 3 64 female sheep were selected and divided into eight groups and immunized by intramuscular (IM), intraperitoneal (IP), or intramammary (IMM) routes or combinations of these three. For "IMM immunization, the right gland was only immunized, while the left gland remained untreated and acted as the control.

Immunization Protocol Immunization Route Group (n = 8) 1 IM 2 IP 3 IMM 4 IM / IP 5 IM / IMM 6 IP / IMM 7 IM / IP / IMM 8 NIL - Control The animals were immunized according to the following scheme.

Immunization Schedule I II III IV V VI VII sem -4 sem -2 sem -1 sem +4 sem +8 sem +12 sem 1 1 Delivery Weaning IM-1 IM-2 IM-3 IM-4 IM-5 IM-6 IP-1 IP-2 IP-3 IP-4 IP-5 IP-6 IM -1 IM -2 IMM-3 Antigen 3U Scourguard commercially available vaccine (SmithKline Beechman, Royal Oak, New Zealand) was used as immunogen. The vaccine contains E. col i, bovine rotavirus and pathogenic coronavirus. The details of the immunization protocols are as follows: The immunization protocol of Example 1 was repeated with 3K Scourguard used as a reserve vaccine instead of Maternafend.

It is the Sal de ud of the Animal is The general health status of the female sheep in the test was periodically verified by regular weight checks and veterinary inspections. And as for Example 1, there was no discernible difference observed in the gain / loss in weight between. the treatment groups, and no adverse effects of the immunization were observed.

Mues tra s Blood and colostrum / milk samples were taken according to the protocol of Example 1.

Sample analysis The ELISA assay was performed according to the method of Example 1, with the exception that 3K Scourguard (1: 1K) was used for the microplate coating instead of Maternafend. Blood plasma and colostrum / milk were combined to obtain an initial indication of the group antibody responses.

Res ulted Figure 6 shows the anti-3K Scourguard IgA titers of right-sided (immunized) milk for all groups on Day 0 and 5. In all groups, lech-e IgA antibody titers were highest in the Day 0 (delivery) with levels that descend in the first week. Group 7 (IM / IP / IMM) gave the best IgA response with a 21-OIC milk antibody titer. This was followed by Group 5 (IM / IMM) with a 70K title and Group 3 with a 27K title. Group 6 (IP / IMM) gave a 20K milk antibody response. The other groups gave a minimal response. By Day 5, the milk IgA antibody titers in Groups 3, 5 and 7 had fallen to approximately 10% of the Day 0 titers. Figure 7 shows the anti-3K Scourguard IgA titers of right gland milk (immunized) and left gland (untreated) for all groups on Day 0. The right gland had a much greater response than that of the left gland. There was no significant response of the antibody titer for the untreated left gland, except for Group 3. EXAMPLE 4 32 pregnant female sheep were assigned to four treatment groups and immunized by combinations of intramuscular (IM), intraperitoneal (IP) or intramammary (IMM) routes. The IMM immunogen for Group 3 was in aqueous solution, while the IMM immunogen for Group 4 was emulsified in FIC. For IMM immunizations, only the right gland was immunized, while the left gland remained untreated and acted as the control.

Immunization Protocol Immunization Route Group (n = 8) 1 IM / IMM 2 IP / IMM 3 IMM / IP / IMM 4 IM / IP / IMM (FIC) The animals were immunized according to the following scheme.

Immunization scheme Antigen An TNF preparation, commercially available from R & amp; D -Systems, 614 McKinley Place, New England, USA. A stock solution (1 mg / ml) was prepared by reconstituting lyophilized TNF in sterile saline. The details of the immunization protocols are as follows: Immunization, I.

IM / IP The stock antigen solution was diluted to 0.16 mg / ml, then emulsified with FIC (1 part saline: 3 parts FIC). IM; 1 ml per site; 2 IP sites; 1 ml per site; 1 site Immunization II.

IM / IP Repeat IM / IP as for Immunization I IMM For the right glands: the stock antigen solution was diluted to 0.1 mg / ml in sterile saline. Antibiotic (Dupocillin) was added in the proportion of 1 ml of antibiotic: 40 ml of immunogen. IMM: 1 ml per right gland IMM (FIC) For the left glands: the stock antigen solution was diluted to 0.32 mg / ml in sterile saline and emulsified with FIC (1 part saline: 3 parts FIC). Antibiotic (Dupocillin) was added in the proportion of 1 ml of antibiotic: 40 ml of immunogen. IMM- (FIC); 1 ml per right gland Immunization III IMM / IMM (FIC) Repeat Immunization II for IMM / IMM (FIC) only.

Immunization IV IM / IP Repeat Immunization I It is the Sal de ud of the Animal is The general health of the female sheep in the test was checked periodically by regular weight checks and veterinary inspections. The animals maintained weight during pregnancy and lactation, and no effects were observed between treatment groups. Two animals died of unrelated causes during pregnancy / parturition (both Group 1, IM / IMM sheep). One animal was removed from the test due to mastitis in the left untreated gland. No adverse effects were noted on the immunization. The evidence of ulceration at the IM and IP immunization sites was minimal. No significant differences were observed in mammary function between the left gland and the right gland and between the glands immunized with the immunogen in sterile saline or FIC.

Mues tra s Female sheep were bled before Immunization I, II, and IV, before parturition. After delivery, blood and colostrum / milk samples (left and right mammary glands, separately) were collected on Day 1 (delivery), 2, 3, 6, 14, and 28, and in Months 2 and 3. The samples they were collected and treated according to the format used in Example 1.

Analysis of samples The ELISA assay for TNF was performed according to the format used for Example 1, except that TNF was used for plaque coating (2 mg / ml). Figure 8 shows a typical dilution curve for the positive and negative control samples in the IgA anti-TNF ELISA assay. The precision between trials was calculated from 10 repetitions of positive control analysis and the coefficient of variation was 10.2%.

Res ulted Milk IgA responses Analysis of individual samples of anti-TNF IgA titre responses in post-partum milk samples on Day 1 of the right gland (immunized) for each of the immunization groups are shown in Figure 9. Titers were low in animals immunized via the IM / IMM, IP / IMM or IM / IP / IMM routes, where the immunogen was -administered in solution saline (Mean ± antibody titers sem: 1 / 3,600 ± 1 / 2,600; 1 / 3,300 ± 1 / 1,500; 1/900 ± 1/500, respectively). In contrast, the titers were roughly 20 times higher in animals treated by the combination of the IM / IP / IMM routes where the IMM immunogen was emulsified in FIC (1 / 61,900 ± 1 / 29,600). Considerable variation was observed in the responses of the individual animals of Group 4 with titers in the range of 1 / 4,000 to 1 / 250,000.

Antibody Responses in Gland Milk - Right and Left Significant differences were observed in the titers in anti-TNF IgA milk of the right (immunized) gland and left (untreated) gland with the right-sided IgA titre that is almost undetectable, in agreement with the first findings for E. coli Figure 10 describes the data for IgA ant i -TNF titers for milk samples pos t -part or on Day 1 from the left and right glands.

Response of Antibody in Milk on Breastfeeding The ratio of anti-T? F IgA in the lactation stage is shown in Figure 11. The data are the milk titers of right gland (immunized), mean ± s.e.m. from animals of Group 4 treated by the route in combination IM / IP / IMM (FIC). Anti-T? F IgA titers were higher in postpartum, initial mammary secretions, and were found to decline to approximately 10% of maximum levels by day 6 and approximately 5% by Month 1 (equivalent to an IgA title of 1 / 3,500).

The complete pattern of response was similar to that observed in the E test. col i, the antibody decline coincides with the onset of 1-full lactation and with the increase in milk volumes.

EXAMPLE 5 pregnant cows were divided into four groups and immunized by any of two routes, three routes or none, according to the following protocol- The immunogen was emulsified in Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant (FIC) for intramammary immunizations (IMM) of side glands right and for intramuscular (IM) and intraperitoneal (IP) immunizations. The left side glands used immunogen in aqueous solution.

Immunization Pro c y Group Immunization Route (n = 10) IM / IMM lb (n = 10) I / IMM le (n = 10) IM / IP / IMM ld (n = 5) NIL Animals They were immunized according to the following scheme.

Immunization scheme Antigen The antigen for immunization was the yeast Candida albi cans. The yeast cells were grown in medium, harvested by centrifugation, washed and killed by heat and then lyophilized. A stock solution of C. albi cans (7 mg protein per ml) was prepared by reconstitution of C. albi cans lyophilized in phosphate buffer. The details of the immunization protocols are as follows: Immunization I IM / IP The stock antigen solution was diluted to 1 mg / ml in sterile saline and emulsified with FIC (1 part saline: 3 parts of FIC) • IM; 2 ml per site; 2 IP sites; 4 ml per site; 1 site Immunization II IM / IP Repeat IM / IP as for Immunization I IMM For the right glands: the stock antigen solution was diluted to 1 mg / ml in sterile saline and emulsified with FIC (1 part saline: 3 parts FIC). For the left glands: the stock antigen solution was diluted to 0.25 mg / ml in sterile saline. IMM; 2 ml per gland; 4 glands Immunization III IMM Repeat Immunization II by IMM only.

Immunization IV IM / IP Repeat Immunization I It is the Sal de ud of the Animal is The general health of the cows in the test was checked periodically by regular weight checks and veterinary inspections. The immunization sites were inspected at regular intervals to evaluate the effects of the immunization procedure. No collateral reactions of clinical grade were observed in any of the immunized sites. In addition, the data of the volume of milk collected indicated that the treatment of the mammary gland did not affect the functioning of complete lactation of the animals.

Samples The cows were bled before Immunization, I, II and IV, before delivery. Blood samples and colostrum / post-partum milk were collected on Days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 28 and 60. On the sample days, the cows were milked at one quarter (for example the samples were collected from individual glands), AM and PM, milk volumes were recorded and 100 ml samples were retained. Milk samples from rooms AM and PM were combined for laboratory analyzes. The blood and colostrum / milk samples were treated according to the format used for Example 1.

Sample Analysis The ELISA assay for C albi cans was performed according to the format used for Example 1, with the exception that: C albicans (5 mg / ml) was used for plaque coating; the second antibody used to identify the class specificity was rabbit anti-bovine IgA (1: 40K; Bethyl Laboratories, USA); the antibody conjugated to the enzyme was goat anti-rabbit (1: 12K; Dako, Denmark). The endpoint detection system was the same as in Example 1. Figure 12 shows an antibody dilution curve typical for the positive control sample.

Resulted For Groups la, Ib and le, the IgA antibody titers in anti-C albi cans milk were higher on Day 1 (parturition) with levels that decrease during the lactation period, as observed with the first tests in sheep (Examples 1-4).

Immunization in two sites versus three sites Figure 13 shows the antibody titers IgA anti-C albi cans of milk from the right gland (IMM immunogen in FIC) for all groups on Days 1, 2, 7, 14 and 60. The animals immunized at the three sites (Group I; IM / IP / IMM) had a much higher response than the animals immunized at the two sites (Group la; IM / IMM and Group lb; IP / IMM). The mean antibody titers ± s.e.m. they were 11,700 ± 3,700, 2,500 ± 700 and 3,000 ± 900, respectively. Group ld (Control) had a very low antibody titer on Day 1 (titer of 200 ± 70). The highest titers for the animals immunized at the three sites were maintained during the lactation period.

Freund's adjuvant versus saline for IMM immunizations Figure 14 shows the comparison of the IgA anti-C albi cans titre, milk from the left glands (IMM aqueous immunogen) and right (immunogen FIC IMM) in the Group about the period of lactation. The glands immunized with the immunogen emulsified in FIC gave a higher response than the glands immunized with the aqueous immunogen and this difference increased with time. On Day 1 the right gland titer was 11,700 + 3,700 compared to the left gland titer of 8,700 ± 2,900. By Day 60, the left gland titer had declined to 590 ± 200, while the right gland titer was 4 times higher (2,300 ± 800). This difference between the response of the left and right gland was also apparent in the groups immunized at two sites (Group la and lb). Thus, according to the present invention, a process is provided for the induction of IgA in a mammal, and the production of IgA in mammalian milk at levels higher than those previously obtained or that may have been anticipated. of the combination of a third route of administration for an antigen with known two route administration protocols. Alternatively, the present invention provides at least one method by which the variability between animals in the IgA antibody titer response can be reduced. It will be appreciated that these results represent an advantage where products containing IgA are sought, for use in pharmaceutical, veterinary and cosmetic formulations, as well as in nutritional and dietary supplements. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present description is provided by way of example only, and that the scope of the invention is not limited thereto.

REFERENCES I unite Response of Pregnant cows to Bovine Rotavirus Immunization, Saif L., J et al; American Journal of Veterinary Research (1984), 45: 1, 49-58. Comparative Effect of Selected Adjuvants on the Response in the Bovine Mammary Gland to Staphylococcal and S treptococcal antigens. Opdebeeck, J.P. and Norcross, N. L: Veterinary Immunopathology (1984), 6: 341-351. Novel Vaccination Strategies for the Control of Mucosal Infection, Husband, A. J; Vaccine (1993), 11: 2, 107-112. Immunological Effector Mechanisms in Ruminants, D.L. Watson, I.G. Colditz, H.S. Gilí; in Vaccines in Agriculture (1994), pp. 21-36, eds Wood et al, CSIRO, Australia. Responses of Antibody Titers to Intramammary Immunization with Escherichia coli J5 Bacterin; J. S. Hogan, K. L. Smith, P. Schoenberger, S. Ro ig and L, Thompson, J Dairy Sci. (1997) 80: 2398-2402.

Immune Mechanisms of the Rumimant Mammary Gland, R.F. Sheldrake; Australian Journal of Dairy Technology (1987), 42: 1-2, 30-32. The Effect of Intraperitoneal and Intramammary Immunization of sheep on the numbers of antibody-containing cells in mammary gland, and antibody titres in blood serum and mammary secretions; R. F. Sheldrake, A. J Husband, D. L. Watson, A. W. Cripps; Immunology (1985), 56: 605-614. Specific antibody-containing cells in the mammary gland of non-lactating sheep after intraperitoneal and intramammal immunization; R. F. Sheldrake, A.J. Husband, D.L. Watson, Research in Veterinary Science (1985), 38: 312-316. Vaccination against enteric Rota and Coronaviruses in cattle and pigs: enhancement of lactogenic immunity, C. F. Crouch; Vaccine (1985), 3: 284-291. The mucosal immune system with particular reference to ruminant animáis, A. K. Lascelles, K. J. Beh, T. K. Mukkur, D. L. Watson; in The Ruminant Immune System in Health and Disease (1986), pp 429-457, eds Morrison, Cambridge University Press, UK Origin of antibody-containing cells in t-he ovine mammary gland following intraperitoneal and intramammary immunization, RF Sheldrake, AJ Husband , DL Watson; Rsearch in Veterinary Science (1988), 45, 156-159. IgA immune responses in the respiratory tract of pigs; R. F. Sheldrake; Research in Veterinary Science, (1990), 49, 98-103. The Development of Vaccines to Protect Mucosal Surfaces; A. J. Husband, M. L. Dunkley, V. L. Clifton, in Health and Production for the 21st Century (1993), pp. 82-88, by Beh, CSIRO, Australia Treatment of Infantile E. coli Gastroenteritis with Specific Bovine anti-E.coli Milk Immunoglobulins; C. Mietens, H. Keinhorst, H. Hilpert, H. Gerber, H. Amster, J. J. Pahud; Eur. J. Pediatr. (1979), 132: 239-252. Bovine Milk Antibodies in the Treatment of Enteric Infections and their ability to eliminate virulence factors from pathogenic E. coli; J. J. Pahud, H. Hilpert, K. Schwarz, H. Amster, M. Smiley; in Advances in Exp. Med & Biol .: The Ruminant Immune System (1981), pp. 591-600, ed Butler, Plenum Press, NY. Use of Bovine Milk Concentrate Containing Antibody to Rotavirus to treat Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in Infants; H Hilpert, H Brussow, C. Mietens, J. Sidoti, L. Lerner, H. Werchau; Journal of Infections Diseases (1987), 156: 1, 158-166. -_ _ - Bovine Milk Immunogobulins for Passive Immunity to Infantile Rotavirus Gastroenteritis; H. Brussow, H. Hilpert, I. Walther, J. Sidoti, C. Mietens, P. Bachmann; Journal of Clinical Microbiology (1987), 25: 6, 982-986. Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual (1988), p. 110-114; ed Harían Cold Spring Water Laboratory, NY. Review of Polyclonal Antibody Production Procedures, Hanly et al; ILAR Journal (1995), 37: 3, 93-118. Purification of Secretory IgA from Bovine Colostrum, Kanamary et al; Agrie. Biol. Chem (1982), 46:16, 1531-1537. A Method for Preparation of IgA from Bovine Mammary Secretions, Nielson, K; Dog. J. Vet. Res (1986); 50: 227-231. 22. Ultrafiltration and Gel Filtration methods for separation of Immunoglobulins with secretory component from bovine milk, Kanamaru et al; Milchwissenschaft (1993), 48: 5, 247-251. 23. Antibodies from Milk for the prevention and Treatment of Diarrheal disease, Ruiz, L. P .; in Indigenous Antimicrobial Agents of Milk - Recent Developments (1994), p. 108-121, International Dairy Federation, Brussels, Belguim. 24. Chronic Cryptospordial Diarrhea and Hyperimmune Cow Colostrum, Tzipori, Roberton, Cooper, White; Lancet (1987), TI: 8554, 344-345. 25. Production of Hyperimmune Bovine Colostrum against Campylobacter Jejuni; Husu, Syvaoja, Ahola-Luttila, Kalsta, Sivela, Kosunen; Journal of Applied Bacteriology (1993), 74: 5, 564-559. 26. Production and Preparation of Hyperimmune Bovine Colostrum for passive Immunatherapy of Cryptosporidiosis: Fayer, Tilley, Upton, Guidry, Thayer, Híldreth, Thomson; Journal of Protozoology (1991), 38: 6, 38S-39S. 27. Efficacy of bovine Mild Immunoglobulin Concentrate in Preventing Illness after Shigella Flexneri Challenge; Tacket, Binion, Bostwick, Losonsky, Roy, Edelman; American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, (1992) 47: 3, 276-283. 28. Protection of Gnotobiotic rats against dental caries by passive immunization with Bovine Milk Antibodies to Streptococcus mutans; Michalek, Gregory, Harmon, Katz, Richardson, Hilton, Filler, McGhee; Infection and Immunity (1987), 55: 10, 2341-2347. 29 Cessation of Cryptosporidium-associated Diarrhea in an acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patient after Treatment with Hyperimmune Bovine Colostrum; Ungar, Ward, Fayer, Quinn; Gastroenterology New York (1990), 90: 2, 486-489. 30. Bovine Colostrum Immunoglobulin Concentrate for Cryptosporidiosis in AIDS; Heaton; in Archives of Disease in Childhood (1994), 70: 4, 356-357.

All articles and patents described herein and in the description are incorporated by reference.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention

Claims (46)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A process for the induction of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in a mammal, characterized in that the process comprises: (a) actively immunizing a mammal pregnant with an antigen, by two routes of administration selected from intramammary (IMM), intraperitoneal (IP) ) and intramuscular (IM); and (b) actively immunizing said mammal with an antigen by a third route of administration selected from intramammary (IMM), intraperitoneal (IP), and intramuscular (IM); with the 'condition that the three administration routes are different. -

2. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that in step (a) the two selected administration routes are IP and IM and in step (b) the third administration route is IMM.

3. A process according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the two active immunizations of step (a) are carried out sequentially, discontinuously or concurrently.

4. A process according to claim 3, characterized in that the two active immunizations of step (a) are carried out concurrently.

5. A process according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that steps (a) and (b) are carried out sequentially, discontinuously or concurrently.

6. A process according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that steps [a.) And (b) are repeated once or twice before delivery.

7. A process according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that step (a) is repeated twice, before delivery.

8. A process according to claim 7, characterized in that each step (a) is carried out at intervals of 2 to 8 weeks.

9. A process according to claim 8, characterized in that each step (a) is carried out at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks.

10. A process according to any of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that step (a) is carried out 6 to 14 weeks before delivery, the first step of repetition (a) at 2 to 10 weeks before delivery, and the final step (a) wing 4 weeks before delivery.

11. A process according to claim 10, characterized in that step (a) is carried out 8 to 12 weeks before parturition, the first step of repetition (a) at 4 to 8 weeks before parturition, and the final step (a) ) at 1 to 4 weeks before delivery.

12. A process according to claim 11, characterized in that step (a) is carried out at 8 weeks before parturition, the first step of repetition (a) at 4 weeks before parturition, and the final step (a) to 1 week before delivery

13. A process according to any of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that step (b) is repeated once before delivery.

14. A process according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that steps (b) are carried out at intervals of 1 to 6 weeks.

15. A process according to claim 14, characterized in that steps (b) are carried out at 2 week intervals.

16. A process according to claim 13 or claim 14, characterized in that step (b) is carried out 3 to 12 weeks before parturition, and the step of repetition (b) to 1 to 10 weeks before parturition.

17. A process according to claim 16, characterized in that step (b) is carried out at 4 to 8 weeks before delivery and the step of repetition (b) at 2 to 4 weeks before delivery.

18. A process according to claim 17, characterized in that step (b) is carried out 4 weeks before delivery and the step of repetition (b) at 2 weeks before delivery.

19. A process for the production of mammalian milk containing immunoglobulin A (IgA), characterized the process because it comprises: (a) the induction of IgA according to the process according to any of claims 1 to 18; and (b) harvesting milk containing IgA, from said mammal.

20. A process according to any of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the antigen comprises at least one of the group of bacteria, yeasts, viruses, mycoplasmas, proteins, haptens, animal tissue extracts, plant tissue extracts, sperm, fungi , pollens, dust and a complex of antigens. _

21. A process according to claim 20, characterized in that the antigen is a bacterial antigen.

22. A process according to claim 21, characterized in that the bacterial antigen is selected from the group consisting of Escheri chia, Staphyl ococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonell a, Pneumonococcus, Heli cobac ter, Cryptospori di osus, Campyl oba c ter and Shi gell a.

23. A process according to claim 22, characterized in that the bacterial antigen is E. col i.

24. A process according to claim 20, characterized in that the antigen is a yeast antigen.

25. A process according to claim 24, characterized in that the yeast is Candi da albi cans.

26. A process according to claim 20, characterized in that the antigen is a protein antigen.

27. A process according to claim 26, characterized in that the protein antigen is the tumor necrosis factor.

28. A process according to claim 20, characterized in that the antigen is a complex of antigens.

29. A process according to claim 28, characterized in that the antigen complex comprises E. col i, rotavirus and coronavirus.

30. A process according to any of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the antigen is formulated as a suspension.

31- A process according to any of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the antigen is administered together with a carrier, diluent, buffer, and / or acceptable adjuvant.

32. A process according to claim 31, characterized in that the antigen is administered together with an adjuvant.

33. A process according to claim 32, characterized in that the adjuvant is selected from Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), incomplete Freund's adjuvant (FIC), adjuvant 65, subunit of cholera toxin, alhydrogel; o Border t ella pertussi s, muramilo dipeptide, cytokines and saponin; adjuvants based on oil and in particular FCA and FIC are preferred.

34. A process according to claim 33, characterized in that the adjuvant is incomplete Freund's adjuvant.

35. A process according to any of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that the antigen is administered together with an antibiotic.

36. A process according to any of claims 1 to 35, characterized in that the antigen administered in each immunization process, and in each site, - "is the same or different.

37. A process according to claim 36, characterized in that the antigen administered in each immunization process, and at each site, is the same.

38. The process according to any of claims 1 to 37, characterized in that the immunized mammal is selected from the group consisting of cows, goats and sheep.

39. A process according to claim 38, characterized in that the mammal is a dairy cow.

40. IgA, characterized in that it is produced according to the process according to any of claims 1 to 39.

41. A process for the production of mammalian milk containing! GA, characterized the process because it comprises: (a) the induction of IgA according to the process according to any of claims 1 to 39; and (b) harvesting the milk containing the IgA from said mammal.

42. The IgA containing mammalian milk, characterized in that it is produced in accordance with the process of claim 41.

43. IgA, characterized in that it is isolated from mammalian milk according to claim 42.

44. The IgA according to claim 43, characterized in that it is purified IgA.

45. The use of IgA according to claim 40 or claim 44 as, or in the preparation of, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and / or veterinary compositions.

46. The use of IgA in accordance with any of claims 42 to 44 as, or in the preparation of, food products and / or diet supplements.