Immunologic characterization of HIV-specific DNA vaccine.
We developed a method for applying HIV-1 DNA vaccine topically in mice. Topical application of DNA vaccine to the skin is useful against infections. To find a less expensive and less cumbersome vaccination method, we administered HIV-1 DNA vaccine to the skin of mice after elimination of keratinocytes using a fast-acting adhesive. HIV-1 DNA vaccine induced high levels of both humoral and cell-mediated immune activity against HIV-1 envelope antigen. A high level of HIV-1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response was also observed, and a high level of IFN-gamma and IL-4 production was induced by the improved skin application of DNA vaccine. High levels of both HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte and delayed type hypersensitivity in topical application were induced by coadministration of the DNA vaccine with IL-12 expression plasmids and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor expression plasmids. These immune responses were inhibited by intradermal injection of anti-CD11c or anti-I-A/I-E antibody. Therefore, topical administration of DNA vaccine is an effective route, and may be very useful for the prevention of infectious diseases.
Ishii
N
N
Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Higashi-murayama, Tokyo, Japan. norishii@nih.go.jp
Sugita
Y
Y
Liu
L J
LJ
Watabe
S
S
Toda
S
S
Xin
K Q
KQ
Okuda
K
K
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics; D004279:DNA, Viral; D015870:Gene Expression; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics*; D007114:Immunization; D010957:Plasmids; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000276:immunology*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016207:Cytokines; D004279:DNA, Viral; D019444:Vaccines, DNA