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Induction of HIV-specific memory T-cell responses by topical DermaVir vaccine.

Calarota SA, Weiner DB, Lori F, Lisziewicz J

Research Institute for Genetic and Human Therapy (RIGHT), 4400 East-West Hwy, Suite 1126, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.

In vivo antigen expression by plasmid DNA could provide a potent and cost-effective vaccine platform if its immunogenicity were improved to induce antigen-specific memory T-cell responses. To study these immune responses, we compared naked DNA vaccine with topical DermaVir formulated with the same HIV-1 (Gag) DNA in the mouse model. Topical DermaVir induced HIV-specific effector memory CD8(+) T-cell responses, which were 2.4-fold higher than those elicited by intramuscular injection of naked DNA. DermaVir, but not naked DNA vaccination, induced robust HIV-specific central memory T-cells responses, which are likely to be more efficient in mediating protective immunity. DermaVir formulation combined with topical administration provides an improved immunogenicity of antigen-expressing DNA vaccines.

Published 2 April 2007 in Vaccine, 25(16): 3070-4.
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