DNA vaccines: safety and efficacy issues

Springer Semin Immunopathol. 1997;19(2):245-56. doi: 10.1007/BF00870272.

Abstract

DNA technology has been harnessed to produce a variety of plasmid-based vaccines designed to prevent viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. The rapid adoption and implementation of this novel vaccine strategy carries with it important safety and efficacy concerns. This review will focus on whether DNA vaccines (1) are likely to induce systemic or organ-specific autoimmune disease, (2) have the potential to induce tolerance rather than immunity, and (3) are as effective in individuals with depressed immune function as they are in healthy adults.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / immunology
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / biosynthesis
  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / etiology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / genetics
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred NZB
  • Safety
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • Vaccines, DNA / adverse effects
  • Vaccines, DNA / immunology
  • Vaccines, DNA / standards*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Vaccines, DNA