Enhancing DNA Potency By Co-administration of DNA Encoding Anti-apoptotic Proteins

Intradermal vaccination via gene gun efficiently delivers DNA vaccines into dendritic cells (DCs) of the skin, resulting in activation and priming of antigen-specific T cells in vivo. However, DCs have a limited lifespan, hindering their ability to prime antigen-specific T cells. We reason that a strategy that prolongs the survival of DNA-transduced DCs will enhance priming of antigen-specific T cells and DNA vaccine potency. Here we show that co-delivery of DNA encoding inhibitors of apoptosis with DNA encoding model antigens is able to prolong the survival of transduced DCs. More importantly, vaccinated mice exhibited significant enhancement in antigen-specific CD8+ T cell immune responses, resulting in a potent antitumor effect against antigen-expressing tumors. Co-administration of DNA vaccines with DNA encoding anti-apoptotic proteins represents an innovative approach to enhance DNA vaccine potency. 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. In addition, similar strategy may be extended to self-replicating RNA replicon vectors or suicidal DNA vectors. Patent (Set) WO 2005/047501

Inventor(s): Wu, T.C.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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