Intradermal naked plasmid DNA immunization: mechanisms of action

Abstract

Plasmid DNA is a promising vaccine modality that is regularly examined in prime–boost immunization regimens. Recent advances in skin immunity increased our understanding of the sophisticated cutaneous immune network, which revived scientific interest in delivering vaccines to the skin. Intradermal administration of plasmid DNA via needle injection is a simple and inexpensive procedure that exposes the plasmid and its encoded antigen to the dermal immune surveillance system. This triggers unique mechanisms for eliciting local and systemic immunity that can confer protection against pathogens and tumors. Understanding the mechanisms of intradermal plasmid DNA immunization is essential for enhancing and modulating its immunogenicity. With regard to vaccination, this is of greater importance as this routine injection technique is highly desirable for worldwide immunization. This article will focus on the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in antigen expression and presentation during primary and secondary syringe and needle intradermal plasmid DNA immunization.

Keywords::

• antigen expression
• antigen presentation
• dendritic cells
• DNA vaccines
• immunity
• intradermal immunization
• plasmid
• skin
• T cells

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Itai Nudel and Roni Hovav for critical reading of this manuscript.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was support by the Marie Curie International Reintegration grant number 230932 for Hovav Avi-Hai. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.