Chapter 67 - DNA Vaccines for the Induction of Immune Responses in Mucosal Tissues

Abstract

DNA vaccines represent an innovative approach allowing the induction of humoral and cell-mediated antigen-specific immune response in systemic and mucosal compartments. Vaccines consist of plasmid DNA-encoding antigens that become expressed in host cells, including species-specific posttranslational modifications. DNA vaccines elicit CD8 T cell responses in most experiments through cross-presentation of antigen. Because most pathogens invade hosts through mucosal surfaces, the induction of mucosal and systemic immunity is of paramount importance. Although systemic DNA vaccination exhibits high efficiency, generally weaker immune responses are induced by mucosal DNA administration. However, systemic immunization with selected viral and bacterial vaccines may also protect against mucosal infections. Furthermore, in contrast to high immunogenicity confirmed in small experimental animals, human DNA vaccines require further optimization to exhibit a protective effect. Therefore, various systems for the delivery of DNA vaccines and various immunomodulatory molecules coadministered with DNA vaccines have been developed to optimize the immune response and protection.