DNA-based immune enhancers.
Genomic DNAs, plasmids and oligodeoxynucleotides that contain unmethylated CpG dinucleotides, in particular, base contexts ('CpG motifs'), have potent immunostimulatory effects. CpG motifs in antisense oligonucleotides may cause undesirable immunotoxicities. However, these immune stimulatory effects have been found to have great therapeutic utility in enhancing vaccination as well as in the immunotherapy of cancer and allergic diseases.
Krieg
A M
AM
University of Iowa, Department of Internal Medicine, 540 EMRB, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. arthur-krieg@uiowa.edu