A Novel DNA-Based Vaccine Methodology for Aids

Efforts in this funding year focused on gene gun-based induction of mucosal immune responses and enhancement of CTL. Gene gun-based DNA immunization of rhesus macaques resulted in further refinement of DNA delivery parameters based on the degree of local inflammation. A comparison between mucosal and skin immunization revealed qualitative differences in localized mucosal responses but not peripheral blood responses. Efforts to enhance CTL responses resulted in the development of a gene gun-based method that induces high frequency T cell responses in these animals. Studies were also initiated to evaluate the potential of a DNA immunization regimen as an adjuvant to highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Gene gun-based DNA immunization of mice demonstrated enhancement of antigen specific CTL responses by co-delivering DNA encoding lL-6. Direct delivery of DNA to the tongue of mice demonstrated the tongue was not an inductive site for mucosal responses.