Vol. 52, No. 1, 2009 - Alpha Chi

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Optimism of DNA Vaccines
for HIV
By ABHISHEK SATISHCHANDRAN
University of the Sciences in
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Kappa
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Abhishek Satishehandran was selected an H. Y. Benedict
Fellow for 2008-09 but declined.
Abstract
In an effort to improve DNA vaccine immune potency, electroporation has emerged
as a method of delivery of plasmids to target tissues. However, few studies have examined
the use of this technology to deliver plasmid vaccines to the skin, particularly in large
animal models. We have studied the effect of electroporation on DNA vaccine potency
and plasmid delivery using skin as a target tissue. Initially, we delivered plasmid GFP
through the intradermal/subcutaneous (ID) route in a pig model where we found that high
plasmid concentrations resulted in improved gene expression. In a macaque model, we
observed higher cellular and humoral responses to a DNA vaccine encoding HIV gag and
env antigens and molecular adjuvant IL-12, with electroporation (ID+EP) compared to ID
injection alone. ELISpot analysis demonstrated a TH1 mediated response with significantly
higher levels of CD8 memory cells. These results serve to support the potential of ID+EP as
an effective immunization approach in larger animal models.
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