Technology evaluation: naked DNA.
Vical and Merck are investigating vaccines against hepatitis B which use Vical's patented naked DNA technology. Both therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines are under development [177132], [268397]. The technology, and subsequent collaboration, stems from the observation by Vical that by directly injecting exogenous cDNA into muscle tissue, protein is expressed which gives rise to a strong immune response and protective immunity [163222].
Ilan
Y
Y
Liver Unit, Division of Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. ILAN@hadassah.org.il
D000818:Animals; D001709:Biotechnology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D019444:Vaccines, DNA