Combined virus-like particle-based polyepitope DNA/protein HIV-1 vaccine design, immunogenicity and toxicity studies

Vaccine. 2007 May 22;25(21):4312-23. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.02.058. Epub 2007 Mar 7.

Abstract

We have previously described designing of polyepitope immunogens TBI and TCI, to stimulate the humoral and cellular immune responses to HIV-1. Here, immunogens TBI and TCI were used to create new vaccine construct named CombiHIVvac (Combined HIV-1 vaccine). CombiHIVvac is a virus-like particles (VLP) containing the DNA vaccine pcDNA-TCI as a core encapsulated within a spermidine-polyglucin-TBI conjugate. The immunogenic and toxic properties of the candidate vaccine CombiHIVvac have been studied. CombiHIVvac induces a strong humoral and CTL responses in mice; the antibodies are highly specific and are able to neutralize HIV-1 in vitro. Preclinical study demonstrated that CombiHIVvac does not cause long-term changes in physiological, biochemical and morphological parameters in immunized animals and thus can be recommended for clinical trials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Vaccines / adverse effects
  • AIDS Vaccines / chemistry
  • AIDS Vaccines / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Epitopes / genetics
  • Epitopes / immunology*
  • HIV Antibodies / blood
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Models, Animal
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Vaccines, DNA / adverse effects
  • Vaccines, DNA / chemistry
  • Vaccines, DNA / immunology*
  • Vaccines, Virosome / adverse effects
  • Vaccines, Virosome / chemistry
  • Vaccines, Virosome / immunology*

Substances

  • AIDS Vaccines
  • Cytokines
  • Epitopes
  • HIV Antibodies
  • Vaccines, DNA
  • Vaccines, Virosome