DNA vaccination is a novel immunization strategy that possesses many advantages over other vaccines. Rather than employing the antigens themselves, a plasmid that encodes for a certain antigen is delivered to cells.
In a recent study, plasmid DNA for cervical cancer was delivered with a gene gun into the skin of mice. , in humans, DNA is poor at eliciting an immune response, so an adjuvant is mixed with the plasmid to enhance the level of immune response to a target antigen.
In a recent experiment they investigated a synthetic polymer, Poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA), mixed with plasmid DNA for cervical cancer to test its effectiveness of antitumor protection in mice. They found that the PMMA and DNA mixture had inefficient transformation in macrophages, which are cells that can destroy tumour cells and stimulate other immune cells. However, it was also found that PMMA could act as a good adjuvant because it was able to stimulate the growth and activity of immune cells by stimulating the production of inflammatory cytokines.
Overall, the results of this study possess the potential for great translation and implementation of polymer particles in DNA vaccination.
Scientific Report:
PMMA particle-mediated DNA vaccine for cervical cancer (Lou et.al, 2008). Available:
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com.ezproxy.library.uq.edu.au/journal/117945660/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
