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DNA immunization encoding the secreted nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) of hepatitis C virus and enhancing the Th1 type immune response *
Author(s) -
Jiao X.,
Wang R. Y.H.,
Feng Z.,
Hu G.,
Alter H. J.,
W.K. Shih J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of viral hepatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.329
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1365-2893
pISSN - 1352-0504
DOI - 10.1046/j.1352-0504.2003.00464.x
Subject(s) - ns3 , virology , immune system , plasmid , dna vaccination , immunization , biology , hepatitis c virus , antibody , antigen , gene , virus , humoral immunity , immunity , immunology , genetics
Summary. To induce a sustained and specific cellular immune response to hepatitis C virus (HCV), DNA immunization of mice was performed using plasmids containing the HCV nonstructural gene 3 (HCV/NS3). Plasmids were constructed such that the NS3 gene was expressed in a secreted form, a nonsecreted form or as a membrane‐bound antigen. The plasmid encoding the secreted antigen induced the strongest humoral and cellular immunity and favoured the T‐helper type 1 (Th1) pathway as shown by cytokine profiles and switching of antibody subclasses. Our study indicates that DNA immunization with a secreted form of HCV/NS3 is an effective means of inducing primary Th1 immune responses in the murine model.