Premium
Strategies for improved formulation and delivery of DNA vaccines to veterinary target species
Author(s) -
Van Drunen Littelvan den Hurk Sylvia,
Babiuk Shawn L.,
Babiuk Lorne A.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
immunological reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.839
H-Index - 223
eISSN - 1600-065X
pISSN - 0105-2896
DOI - 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2004.00140.x
Subject(s) - dna vaccination , electroporation , immune system , immunization , transfection , biology , immunology , gene gun , immunity , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , genetics
Summary: Interest in DNA immunization of animals continues, despite the fact that immune responses induced by DNA vaccines are generally lower than those elicited by conventional vaccines. In attempts to enhance the immune response to DNA vaccines, individuals have tried a variety of immune modulators, cytokines, and costimulatory molecules, but these only boost immune responses marginally. These results clearly demonstrate that the major challenge to improving DNA‐based vaccines is to improve the transfection efficiency. Gene gun and electroporation can increase transfection and improve immune responses significantly, but these technologies have not yet advanced to the stage of routine use in livestock. Hopefully, transfection efficiency can be increased further in a user‐friendly manner to ensure that the benefits of using DNA vaccines become a reality.