DNA vaccines for emerging infectious diseases: what if?
A novel and powerful method for vaccine research, colloquially known as DNA vaccines, involves the deliberate introduction into tissues of a DNA plasmid carrying an antigen-coding gene that transfects cells in vivo and results in an immune response. DNA vaccines have several distinct advantages, which include ease of manipulation, use of a generic technology, simplicity of manufacture, and chemical and biological stability. In addition, DNA vaccines are a great leveler among re-searchers around the world because they provide unprecedented ease of experi-mentation. To facilitate diffusion of information, an Internet site has been established called THE DNA VACCINE WEB (URL:http://www.genweb.com/dnavax/dnavax.html). In this review, a brief survey is undertaken of the experimental models and preclinical work on DNA vaccines to contribute to a greater awareness of the possibilities for emerging infectious diseases.
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France. whalen@pasteur.fr
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D000818:Animals; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000639:trends*; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D019444:Vaccines, DNA