Plasmid DNA vaccines.
Genes that code for the production of protein antigens have been cloned and recombined with plasmids. Gene-plasmid constructs have been amplified in a bacterial host, purified and administered to a mammalian host. The gene is expressed in the host and the antigen that is produced induces an immune response. These so-called DNA vaccines have been prepared for a number of infectious agents, some tumors and some allergens, and were shown to be efficacious in animal studies. Clinical trials for some of these vaccines are underway. Advantages of using a DNA vaccine include the abilities to favor a T helper-1 or a T helper-2 lymphocyte response and to induce a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response. Moreover, some reports have indicated that they produce long-lasting immunity. DNA vaccines might be used in situations where no effective vaccine is available for a disease. However, their use might not be risk-free. Further research in this field is needed to determine their efficacy and to identify the risks involved in using them.
Abdelnoor
A M
AM
Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. aanoor@aub.edu.lb
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D017930:Genes, Reporter / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000502:physiology; D010957:Plasmids / Q000276:immunology*; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D019444:Vaccines, DNA