DNA VACCINES

Compiled by
Dr. Taruna Anand, Scientist VTC, NRC Equine, Hisar (Haryana)-India Dr. Dharmendra Kumar, Scientist CIRB, Hisar (Haryana)- India & Divya Kamboj (B. Sc)

What is immunity ?


Mechanisms used by our body to fight against antigens Immunization is done to generate immunity

Passive Vs Active Immunity



Passive immunization is immunotherapy (transfer of antibodies) Active immunization is immunity due to natural infections or vaccines

Passive Immunization


Lasts as long as antibodies are present Does not establish memory

Vaccines Provide Active Immunity



Vaccines provide active immunity & hence protect from diseases by establishing memory T & B cells Some vaccines prevent disease but do not cause infection

What are Vaccines?

 Preparations of materials such as virus or bacteria which are injected into a person to provide immunity against a particular disease

TYPES OF VACCINES
VACCINES Attenuated (live) vaccines EXAMPLES eg: Measles, Mumps & Rubella virus vaccine

Inactivated (killed) vaccines Influenza virus vaccine & Polio vaccine Polysaccharide vaccines Pneumococcal pneumonia Toxoid vaccines Recombinant vaccines DNA vaccines Tetanus vaccine Hepatitis B vaccines Influenza virus vaccine

What is a DNA Vaccine?



It consists of a DNA molecule, generally a plasmid, with a gene that codes for the protein against which an immune response is desired. DNA vaccines are actually made up of a modified form of an infectious organisms DNA.

Genetic Immunization

Vectors for DNA vaccines

Plasmid backbone Transcription unit comprising a strong viral promoter / enhancer sequences. Antibiotic resistance gene

 

DNA Vaccine Plasmid

Site of DNA Vaccine Delivery

   

Subcutaneous Intramucosal (nasal, tracheal) Intramuscular Intradermal

Mechanism of Action

Applications
 DNA vaccines used to prevent influenza in animals  DNA vaccine being developed for diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. malaria.

Advantages
 Evoke both humoral & cell mediated immune responses  Large scale manufacturing procedures available  Longer shelf life (thermostable)  Allows a more simplified & effective control process. process.

Concerns & Potential Disadvantages

 The potential for integration of the DNA into the host chromosomes  Possibility of generating Ab to DNA  Risk of effecting the expression of genes controlling cell growth  Unsuccessful when evaluating non protein based Ag such as bacterial polysaccharide

Future Prospects
 The relative ease of development & production as well as their efficacy in animal models make DNA vaccines an attractive mode of treatment & investigation  While not all safety concerns have been completely addressed, human trials in HIV patients are encouraging  DNA vaccination shows promise in a no. of areas no. including infectious diseases, allergy & cancer immunotherapies

Thank you