ISSN:
1432-1831
Keywords:
Key words DNA vaccination
;
Bacterial heat shock protein
;
Interleukin-2
;
Interleukin-4
;
Interferon-γ
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Coexpression of cytokine genes together with antigen-encoding genes in DNA vaccination vectors can increase humoral and cellular immune responses and may steer them in a Th1 or Th2 direction. In this study, the modulatory effect of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and interferon (IFN)-γ coexpressed with the 60-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp60) of Yersinia enterocolitica O:8 (Y-Hsp60) was studied. DNA vaccination with y-hsp60 evoked specific humoral and cellular immune responses as well as reduction of the splenic bacterial load upon challenge with Y. enterocolitica in a mouse infection model. Coexpression of IL-2 or IFN-γ enhanced Y. enterocolitica-specific total IgG (P 〈 0.05) and IgG2a antibody responses. Coexpression of IFN-γ also improved the proliferative T cell responses upon stimulation with Y-Hsp60. A reduction of the splenic bacterial load as compared with the plasmid encoding Y-Hsp60 only was found for the IFN-γ coexpressing vector. Thus, coexpression of cytokine genes such as IFN-γ in DNA vaccination vectors might improve immunity and help to overcome the side effects of standard adjuvants.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004300000047
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