Researchers from University of Duisburg-Essen report recent findings in DNA vaccines

   "However, inummotherapeutic strategies with active imMUnisation are limited due to the immune tolerance against the self-antigen. In order to develop an anti-prion vaccine, we designed a novel DNA fusion vaccine composed of mouse PrP and immune stimulatory helper T-cell epitopes of the tetanus toxin that have previously been reported to break tolerance to other selfantigens. This approach provoked a strong PrPC-specific humoral and cellular immune response in PrP null mice, but only low antibody titres were found in vaccinated wild-type mice," wrote C. Nitschke and colleagues, University of Duisburg-Essen.

   The researchers concluded: "Furthermore, prime-boost immunisation with the DNA vaccine and recombinant PrP protein increased antibody titres in PrP null mice, but failed to protect wild-type mice from mouse scrapie."

   Nitschke and colleagues published their study in Veterinary Microbiology (Immunisation strategies against prion diseases: Prime-boost immunisation with a PrP DNA vaccine containing foreign helper T-cell epitopes does not prevent mouse scrapie. Veterinary Microbiology, 2007;123(4):367-376).

   For additional information, contact U. Dittmer, University of Duisburg Essen, Institute Virology, Hufelandstr 55, D-45122 Essen, Germany.

   Publisher contact information for the journal Veterinary Microbiology is: Elsevier Science BV, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

   Keywords: Germany, Essen, Biotechnology, DNA Vaccines, University of Duisburg-Essen.

   This article was prepared by Pharma Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pharma Business Week via NewsRx.com.

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