The F(ab)'2 fragment of an Abeta-specific monoclonal antibody reduces Abeta deposits in the brain.

This work examines whether administering the F(ab' )2 fragment of an IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the N-terminal 1-13 amino acids of the beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta mAb) reduces amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The F(ab')2 fragment was injected intraperitoneally or intracranially into Tg2576 mice, a murine model of human AD. Both routes of administration significantly reduced Abeta plaque formation in the brain, as determined immunohistochemically and by monitoring levels of Abeta1-40 and Abeta1-42 peptide.

Contribution of the rev gene to the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines targeting the envelope glycoprotein of HIV.

Background: The Rev protein of HIV plays a critical role in the export of viral mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of infected cells. This work examines the effect of introducing rev into a DNA vaccine encoding the Env protein of HIV, and compares the activity of env genes regulated by CMV versus CAG promoters.

Methods: The HIV Env gp160 encoding gene with or without the rev gene was subcloned into a CMV promoter or a CAG promoter-driven expression plasmid.

Detection of Progeny Immune Responses after Intravenous Administration of DNA Vaccine to Pregnant Mice.

A number of factors influence the development of tolerance, including the nature, concentration and mode of antigen presentation to the immune system, as well as the age of the host. The studies were conducted to determine whether immunizing pregnant mice with liposome-encapsulated DNA vaccines had an effect on the immune status of their offspring. Two different plasmids (encoding antigens from HIV-1 and influenza virus) were administered intravenously to pregnant mice.

A DNA vaccine containing inverted terminal repeats from adeno-associated virus increases immunity to HIV.

Background: DNA vaccines have been used to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses against infectious microorganisms. This study explores whether DNA vaccine immunogenicity can be improved by introducing inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) from adeno-associated virus (AAV) into the regulatory region of the DNA plasmid.

Methods: CMV promoter-driven HIV Env expressing plasmid (pCMV-HIV) and the pCMV-HIV plasmid introduced ITRs (pITR/CMV-HIV) were transfected in HEK293 cells with LipofectAmine.

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of orally administered recombinant Lactococcus lactis expressing surface-bound HIV Env.

This study investigates whether genetically modified orally administered Lactococcus lactis (L lactis) could be used as an HIV vaccine. L lactis is immunogenic and extremely safe when delivered orally. We created a recombinant L lactis vector expressing the envelope protein of HIV on its cell surface.

Oral administration of recombinant adeno-associated virus elicits human immunodeficiency virus-specific immune responses.

Oral vaccines can induce both systemic and mucosal immunity. Mucosal immunity, especially regional cell-mediated immunity, plays an important role in protecting individuals from infectious diseases such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In this study, a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector expressing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 env gene (AAV-HIV) was orally administered to BALB/c mice.

Adjuvant effect of multi-CpG motifs on an HIV-1 DNA vaccine.

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing unmethylated CpG motifs trigger an immune response characterized by the activation of B cells, NK cells and monocytes/macrophages. Based on evidence that the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines can be augmented by the addition of CpG motifs, 5-20 additional CpG motifs were cloned into a pUC-derived plasmid. Treating bone-marrow derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs) with CpG-enriched plasmids in vitro boosted their expressions of MHC class II molecules, the CD40 and CD86 activation markers.

Systemic and mucosal immune responses in mice after rectal and vaginal immunization with HIV-DNA vaccine.

We examined the feasibility of inducing local and systemic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific immune responses by rectal and vaginal application of an HIV-DNA vaccine. Mice were immunized with an HIV-DNA vaccine preparation via a rectal or vaginal route. After several applications, HIV-specific antibodies were detected in sera, fecal extract solutions, and vaginal washes, and these antibodies were potent in inhibiting the syncytium formation of a CD4-positive human T cell line by a cell line capable of inducing HIV-1 infection.