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We have previously shown[sup [1-3]] that liposome-mediated plasmid DNA immunisation may be a preferred alternative to the use of naked DNA. Lipodine[sup ™] DNA formulations consist of liposomes containing entrapped DNA plasmid by the dehydration-rehydration (DRV) method.[sup [1]] Such liposome formulations are distinct from liposomes with externally complexed DNA in that the majority of the DNA is "internal" to the liposome structure and hence protected from DNAase degradation.[sup [3]] Previous studies on the immune response induced by DNA vaccines entrapped in Lipodine[sup ™] have focused on the humoural response. In the present study, we have expanded the analysis profile in order to include the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) component of the immune response. We have analysed the immune response induced by DNA entrapped in Lipodine[sup ™] compared to that induced by DNA alone when delivered subcutaneously, a route of administration not normally inducing significant plasmid DNA mediated immune activation. Our results indicate that delivery of a small dose of plasmid DNA in Lipodine[sup ™] results in an improved antibody response to the plasmid encoded antigen and a strong antigen specific CTL response compared to that induced by DNA delivered alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]