Efficacy and safety of HLA-B7/β-2 microglobulin plasmid DNA/lipid complex (Allovectin-7^®) in patients with metastatic melanoma

Abstract

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B7/β-2 microglobulin plasmid DNA/lipid complex, otherwise known as Allovectin-7^® (Vical, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA), has been developed as a non-viral gene delivery product. After multiple laboratory and human trials, it appears that the concept of gene transfer has established itself as a clinical reality. While the manifestations of the gene transfer have not been as dramatic as one might have hoped, HLA-B7/β-2 microglobulin plasmid DNA/lipid complex appears to be a promising agent with an extremely safe toxicity profile. Ongoing trials are further investigating potential clinical uses of Allovectin-7.

• Allovectin-7
• beta-2 microglobulin
• gene therapy
• HLA-B7
• major histocompatibility complex
• melanoma
• plasmid DNA/lipid complex
• vaccine