Immunization with a DNA expression vector encoding the varicella zoster virus glycoprotein E (gE) gene via intramuscular and subcutaneous routes

U A Hasan; D R Harper; S Argent; G Layton; B W Wren; W J Morrow

doi:10.1016/s0264-410x(99)00428-4

Immunization with a DNA expression vector encoding the varicella zoster virus glycoprotein E (gE) gene via intramuscular and subcutaneous routes

Vaccine. 2000 Feb 14;18(15):1506-14. doi: 10.1016/s0264-410x(99)00428-4.

Authors

U A Hasan¹, D R Harper, S Argent, G Layton, B W Wren, W J Morrow

Affiliation

¹ Department of Immunology, St. Bartholomew's and The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, West Smithfield, London, UK.

PMID: 10618548
DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(99)00428-4

Abstract

In this study we constructed a plasmid containing the gene encoding varicella-zoster virus transmembrane glycoprotein gE (VZV gE) and evaluated its utility for DNA immunization in mice. Our initial work demonstrates that intramuscular and subcutaneous injection of VZV gE DNA, without the use of costimulatory molecules or other adjuvant materials, results in the generation of antigen-specific antibodies of primarily the IgG2a subclass, indicating that this vaccine can stimulate Th1 type immunity. This is the first report of a prototype DNA vaccine for varicella-zoster virus.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Antibodies, Viral / blood
Herpesvirus 3, Human / immunology*
Immunoglobulin G / classification
Injections, Intramuscular
Injections, Subcutaneous
Mice
Mice, Inbred BALB C
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Plasmids
Vaccines, DNA / administration & dosage
Vaccines, DNA / immunology*
Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics*
Viral Envelope Proteins / immunology
Viral Vaccines / administration & dosage
Viral Vaccines / immunology*

Substances

Antibodies, Viral
Immunoglobulin G
Vaccines, DNA
Viral Envelope Proteins
Viral Vaccines
glycoprotein E, varicella-zoster virus