Electroporation for therapeutic DNA vaccination in patients

Med Microbiol Immunol. 2015 Feb;204(1):131-5. doi: 10.1007/s00430-014-0384-8. Epub 2014 Dec 23.

Abstract

DNA vaccination has historically failed to raise strong immune responses in humans. Recent delivery techniques such as the gene gun and in vivo electroporation (EP)/electrotransfer (ET) have completely changed the efficiency of DNA vaccines in humans. In vivo EP exerts multiple effects that contribute to its efficiency. The two central factors are most likely the increased DNA uptake due to the transient membrane destabilization, and the local tissue damage acting as an adjuvant. To date, several studies in humans have used in vivo EP/ET to deliver DNA. Some of these results have been quite promising with strong T cell responses and/or transient effects on the viral replication. This suggests that improved strategies of in vivo EP/ET can be a future way to deliver DNA in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Electroporation / methods*
  • Humans
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Vaccination / methods*
  • Vaccines, DNA / administration & dosage*
  • Vaccines, DNA / immunology

Substances

  • Vaccines, DNA