Plasmid DNA vaccination.
Plasmid DNA vaccination against tuberculosis is a very powerful and easy method for the induction of strong humoral responses, CD4+ mediated secretion of Th1 cytokines and CD8+ mediated CTL activity in mice. Tuberculosis DNA vaccines have not been assessed so far in humans, and clinical trials with DNA in general have been somewhat disappointing. However, numerous studies have reported on the potent priming capacity of plasmid DNA for Th1 and CD8+ mediated immune responses, which can be boosted subsequently by recombinant protein or recombinant pox-viruses. With respect to tuberculosis, prime/boost regimens with Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccine are particularly promising and warrant further analysis.
Huygen
Kris
K
Mycobacterial Immunology, Pasteur Institute Brussels, Scientific Institute for Public Health, 642 Engelandstraat, 1180 Brussels, Belgium. khuygen@pasteur.be
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D010957:Plasmids; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D032581:Tuberculosis Vaccines / Q000276:immunology; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000276:immunology
D032581:Tuberculosis Vaccines; D019444:Vaccines, DNA