AroQ-deficient Bordetella strain and uses thereof

The present invention discloses the structure and sequence of aroQ from Bordetella pertussis, which are useful inter alia for the production of the genetically modified attenuated Bordetella strains of the present invention and for detecting and isolating variant aroQ genes and expression products. The present invention also discloses attenuated Bordetella strains of pathogenic origin, and more particularly genetically modified Bordetella strains, which have been attenuated by disruption or inactivation of the aroQ gene. The genetically modified Bordetella strain of the present invention has a reduced capacity to propagate in a mammalian host, but remains viable in the host for a period of time sufficient to induce a protective immune response against the natural pathogenic Bordetella counterpart. The present invention is also directed to the use of such genetically modified Bordetella strains in immunopotentiating compositions for treating and/or preventing inter alia Bordetella infections, and particularly pathogenic infections, caused by Bordetella.