Reverse Vaccinology

**Definition:** A process where the genome of a pathogen is studied to find genes that may code for antigen proteins. If found, the putative antigen genes are then cloned, expressed in bacteria, and used to vaccinate experimental animals. If the expressed protein is shown to induce protective immunity it then becomes a candidate for further studies as a vaccine to be used to prevent infection.

**Tree numbers:** - H02.403.894.001