Enhancement of Nucleic Acid Vaccine Potency by Intercellular Spreading and Enhancement of MHC Class I Presentation of Antigen Linked to Herpesvirus VP22 Protein

The potency of naked DNA vaccines is limited by their inability to amplify and spread in vivo. VP22, a herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) protein, has demonstrated the remarkable property of intercellular transport and may thus provide a unique approach for enhancing vaccine potency. We therefore created a novel fusion of VP22 with a model antigen, human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E7, in a DNA vaccine which generated enhanced spreading and MHC class I presentation of antigen. These properties led to a dramatic increase in the number of E7-specific CD8+ T cell precursors in vaccinated mice (around 50-fold) and converted a less effective DNA vaccine into one with significant potency against E7-expressing tumors. In comparison, non-spreading VP22(1-267) mutants failed to enhance vaccine potency. Our data indicated that the potency of DNA vaccines may be dramatically improved through intercellular spreading and enhanced MHC class I presentation of antigen. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) The technology may be used for the development of preventive and therapeutic vaccines for infectious diseases and cancers in human and animals.

Inventor(s): Wu, T.C

Type of Offer: Licensing



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