Independent but not synergistic enhancement to the immunogenicity of DNA vaccine expressing HIV-1 gp120 glycoprotein by codon optimization and C3d fusion in a mouse model

Vaccine. 2004 Apr 16;22(13-14):1764-72. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2003.09.054.

Abstract

The ability to elicit humoral and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses from DNA immunization by combinational use of codon optimization and C3d component of complement was evaluated in this study. DNA vaccines that express either the wild type or the codon optimized gp120 gene coding for the envelope (Env) glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) from the primary isolate JR-FL strain were compared to the same forms fused to three tandem copies of the murine C3d genes. Either codon optimization or C3d fusion alone was effective at generating early appearance, higher binding and neutralizing antibody responses. We also observed that cell-mediated immune responses against HIV Env could also be enhanced by C3d fusion. However, for both humoral and CMI responses, there were no synergistic effects when the combination of codon optimization and C3d fusion was employed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Vaccines / genetics*
  • AIDS Vaccines / immunology*
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / genetics*
  • Animals
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Codon / genetics*
  • Codon / immunology*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Genetic Vectors
  • HIV Antibodies / analysis
  • HIV Antibodies / biosynthesis
  • HIV Antigens / biosynthesis
  • HIV Antigens / immunology
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / genetics*
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / immunology*
  • Immunity, Cellular / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Plasmids / immunology
  • Receptors, Complement 3d / genetics*
  • Receptors, Complement 3d / immunology*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology
  • Vaccines, DNA / genetics
  • Vaccines, DNA / immunology

Substances

  • AIDS Vaccines
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Codon
  • HIV Antibodies
  • HIV Antigens
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Complement 3d
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Vaccines, DNA
  • Interferon-gamma