Disclosed is a recombinant attenuated coxsackievirus B4 virion which is
engineered to contain a heterologous nucleic acid within the open reading
frame of its genome, wherein the heterologous nucleic acid encodes a
heterologous polypeptide which is expressed by the virion. Specific
examples of attenuated coxsackievirus B4 virions suitable for use in the
present invention are CB4-P and JVB. In one embodiment the heterologous
nucleic acid is inserted into the P1 region of the genome such that the
heterologous polypeptide is expressed as a fusion of a viral capsid
protein. Methods of use of the recombinant attenuated coxsackievirus B4
virion include inducing an immune response in an individual to the
heterologous polypeptide contained therein.