Efficient homologous prime-boost strategies for T cell vaccination based on virus-like particles.
Induction of high frequencies of specific T cells by vaccination requires prime-boost regimens. To reach optimal immune responses, it is necessary to use different vectors for priming and boosting as e.g. DNA vaccination followed by boosting with a recombinant viral vector. Here, we show that vaccines based on virus-like particles (VLP) displaying peptide epitopes are equally effective to induce CTL responses if used in a homologous or heterologous prime-boost setting. Strikingly, high frequencies (>20% of CD8(+) cells) of protective CTL could be induced and maintained by weekly injection of VLP. Thus, the use of VLP may avoid the requirement for complicated heterologous prime-boost regimens, facilitating the development of effective T cell-based vaccines.
Schwarz
Katrin
K
Cytos Biotechnology AG, Schlieren-Zürich, Switzerland.
Meijerink
Edwin
E
Speiser
Daniel E
DE
Tissot
Alain C
AC
Cielens
Indulis
I
Renhof
Regina
R
Dishlers
Andris
A
Pumpens
Paul
P
Bachmann
Martin F
MF
D000818:Animals; D018899:CpG Islands / Q000276:immunology; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000379:methods*; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; D014615:Vaccinia / Q000276:immunology; D014616:Vaccinia virus / Q000276:immunology; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000276:immunology; D014771:Virion / Q000276:immunology*
D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; D014765:Viral Vaccines