Skin-specific promoters for genetic immunisation by DNA electroporation.

This study aimed at restricting expression of DNA vaccine to specific cell types by using skin-specific promoters (i) to contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of intradermal DNA vaccines and (ii) to address safety concerns associated with DNA vaccines. The expression and immune response after delivery of plasmids encoding luciferase by intradermal DNA electroporation were assessed. Two ubiquitous promoters, CMV and CAG, and three tissue-specific promoters were studied.

Effect of tape stripping and adjuvants on immune response after intradermal DNA electroporation.

Purpose: DNA vaccines require both efficient delivery methods and appropriate adjuvants. Based on their mechanisms of action, we hypothesised that some adjuvants could enhance vaccine immunogenicity or direct the response towards Th1 profile after intradermal DNA electroporation.

Methods: After intradermal electroporation of plasmid DNA encoding luciferase, mice received hyaluronidase, imiquimod, monophosphoryl lipid A or were tape stripped in order to modulate the immune response against the encoded protein.