DNA vaccines and their applications in veterinary practice: current perspectives |
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Authors: | K Dhama Mahesh Mahendran P K Gupta A Rai |
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Institution: | (1) Division of Pathology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India;(2) Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India |
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Abstract: | Inoculation of plasmid DNA, encoding an immunogenic protein gene of an infectious agent, stands out as a novel approach for
developing new generation vaccines for prevention of infectious diseases of animals. The potential of DNA vaccines to act
in presence of maternal antibodies, its stability and cost effectiveness and the non-requirement of cold chain have heightened
the prospects. Even though great strides have been made in nucleic acid vaccination, still there are many areas that need
further research for its wholesome practical implementation. Major areas of concern are vaccine delivery, designing of suitable
vectors and cytotoxic T cell responses. Also, the induction of immune responses by DNA vaccines is inconclusive due to the
lack of knowledge regarding the concentration of the protein expressed in vivo. Alternative delivery systems having higher transfection efficiency and the use of cytokines, as immunomodulators, needs
to be further explored. Recently, efforts are being made to modulate and prolong the active life of dendritic cells, in order
to make antigen presentation a more efficacious one. For combating diseases like acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS),
influenza, malaria and tuberculosis in humans; and foot and mouth disease, Aujesky’s disease, swine fever, rabies, canine
distemper and brucellosis in animals, DNA vaccine clinical trials are underway. This review highlights the salient features
of DNA vaccines, and measures to enhance their efficacy so as to devise an effective and novel vaccination strategy against
animal diseases. |
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Keywords: | Animal diseases Cytokines DNA vaccines Recombinant vaccines Vaccination Veterinary vaccines |
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