The induction of mucosal immunity in the female genital tract using gene-gun technology. Part 1: Antigen expression

Protein and oligonucleotide delivery systems for vaginal microbicides against viral STIs

Intravaginal delivery offers an effective option for localized, targeted, and potent microbicide delivery. However, an understanding of the physiological factors that impact intravaginal delivery must be considered to develop the next generation of microbicides. In this review, a comprehensive discussion of the opportunities and challenges of intravaginal delivery are highlighted, in the context of the intravaginal environment and currently utilized dosage forms. After a subsequent discussion of the stages of microbicide development, the intravaginal delivery of proteins and oligonucleotides is addressed, with specific application to HSV and HIV. Future directions may include the integration of more targeted delivery modalities to virus and host cells, in addition to the use of biological agents to affect specific genes and proteins involved in infection. More versatile and multipurpose solutions are envisioned that integrate new biologicals and materials into potentially synergistic combinations to achieve these goals.

DNA vaccines for poultry: the jump from theory to practice

DNA vaccines could offer a solution to a number of problems faced by the poultry industry; they are relatively easy to manufacture, stable, potentially easy to administer, can overcome neonatal tolerance and the deleterious effects of maternal antibody, and do not cause disease pathology. Combined with this, in ovo vaccination offers the advantage of reduced labor costs, mass administration and the induction of an earlier immune response. Together, this list of advantages is impressive. However, this combined technology is still in its infancy and requires many improvements. The potential of CpG motifs, DNA vaccines and in ovo vaccination, however, can be observed by the increasing number of recent reports investigating their application in challenge experiments. CpG motifs have been demonstrated to be stimulatory both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, DNA vaccines have been successfully delivered via the in ovo route, albeit not yet through the amniotic fluid. Lastly, a recent report has demonstrated that a DNA vaccine against infectious bronchitis virus administered via in ovo vaccination, followed by live virus boost, can slightly improve on the protective effect induced by the live virus alone. Therefore, DNA vaccination via the in ovo route is promising and offers potential as a poultry vaccine, however, efficacy needs to be improved and the costs of production reduced before it is likely to be beneficial to the poultry industry in the long term.

Gene expression and mucosal immune responses after vaginal DNA immunization in mice using a controlled delivery matrix

IgA antibodies in the vaginal tract are essential as a first defense line against microorganisms that enter the body via mucosal surfaces. Several studies have shown that direct application of DNA to the vaginal mucosal surface can induce secretion of IgA molecules specific to the expressed protein. The major challenge of formulating effective vaccines is to overcome the barriers to DNA administration caused by the estrus cycle and physical environment of the vaginal tract. In this study, we investigated whether controlled delivery of DNA to the vaginal surface would induce long-term IgA antibody production by applying controlled delivery matrices to the vaginal tract. The controlled DNA delivery matrices were composed of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVAc) and loaded with a model plasmid encoding sperm-specific lactate dehydrogenase C(4) (LDH-C(4)). These EVAc matrices provided a controlled and sustained DNA release to the vaginal mucosal surface. The DNA released from the EVAc disks was functionally active and capable of transfecting vaginal tissues. When inserted into the vaginal tract of mice, the DNA-loaded EVAc matrices triggered the immune system and induced specific IgA to LDH-C(4) in the vaginal secretions. These results demonstrate that the EVAc disks are efficient and convenient vehicles for delivering DNA to the vaginal tract and providing long-term local immunity.

Gene transfer by biolistic process

Gene transfer into somatic tissues is a tool for both the study of gene function in the basic science laboratory and for gene therapy and genetic immunization in the clinic. Biolistic processes can be used to deliver both viral and nonviral vectors into somatic tissues. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of three biolistic processes: jet injection, microparticle bombardment, and needle and syringe injection. Jet injection and needle and syringe injection can be used to deliver both viral and nonviral vectors. Both jet injection and microparticle bombardment can be used to target a broad range of tissues. Needle and syringe injection has been most widely used in muscle tissue. The choice of which biolistic process to use is dependent on the specific application.