Aim: To construct and express pcDNA3.1-IL-18-HSV P6 recombinant DNA vaccine, and to observe the immune responses of pcDNA3.1-IL-18-HSV P6 genetic vaccine.
Methods: Genes of P6 and IL-18 were cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(-) respectively, and confirmed by enzyme digestion and sequence analysis, the recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-IL-18-HSVP6 was transformed into CHO cells. The expressed protein was characterized by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-IL-18-HSVP6 was used to inoculate BALB/c mice by intramuscular injection for three times, once a week. One week after the last vaccination, the levels of specific IgG antibody, IFN-γ and IL-18 were detected by ELISA; One month after the last vaccination, spleen cells of vaccinated mice were separated and proliferation of spleen lymphocytes were detected by MTT assay.
Results: Recombinant pcDNA3.1-IL-18-HSV P6 plasmid was confirmed by enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. After inoculated by pcDNA3.1-IL-18-HSV P6 vaccine, the mice could produce higher level of splenocytes proliferation and secrected higher level of IFN-γ, IL-18 and specific antibody.
Conclusion: DNA vaccine of pcDNA3.1-IL-18-HSV P6 has been successfully constructed, and it can effectively induce humoral and cellular immune responses, which provided a basis for constructing new type of DNA vaccine.