DNA vaccine therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection: immune control of a moving target.
The use of DNA plasmids for DNA vaccination was first described in the early 1990 s. DNA vaccinations were successful in small animal models but in larger animals and humans problems appeared. One major obstacle, effective delivery, has been partly overcome by new delivery techniques, such as transdermal delivery with the gene gun, and in vivo electroporation. We are entering a new era of DNA vaccination, where such techniques can be tested in humans. DNA vaccination may be a useful therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Patients with these infections have a reduced T cell response to the invading virus. The genetic variability of HCV, its immunomodulatory properties and high replication rate contribute to chronicity. By providing the correct stimulus T cells may be activated to clear the infection. The vaccination is intended to induce a coordinated immune-based attack on the continuously moving HCV target. If effective, this should help in clearing the infection.
Sällberg
Matti
M
Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Division of Clinical Microbiology, F68, Department of Laboratory Medicine, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. matti.sallberg@ki.se
Frelin
Lars
L
Weiland
Ola
O
D000818:Animals; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000276:immunology; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*
D004279:DNA, Viral; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; D014765:Viral Vaccines