Systemic and Mucosal Immune Responses in Mice after Rectal and Vaginal Immunization with HIV-DNA Vaccine

Author： Hamajima K. Hoshino Y. Xin K-Q. Hayashi F. Tadokoro K. Okuda K.

ISSN： 1521-6616

Source： Clinical Immunology, Vol.102, Iss.1, 2002-01, pp. : 12-18

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Abstract

We examined the feasibility of inducing local and systemic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific immune responses by rectal and vaginal application of an HIV-DNA vaccine. Mice were immunized with an HIV-DNA vaccine preparation via a rectal or vaginal route. After several applications, HIV-specific antibodies were detected in sera, fecal extract solutions, and vaginal washes, and these antibodies were potent in inhibiting the syncytium formation of a CD4-positive human T cell line by a cell line capable of inducing HIV-1 infection. Spleen cells from rectally and vaginally immunized mice showed antigen-mediated IFN-γ-inducing activity. In addition, with rectal immunization, mononuclear cells from both the spleen and the regional lymph nodes of the rectal region were found to be potent at inducing a cytotoxic T lymphocyte response. These humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were enhanced by augmenting the vaccine with granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor-expressing plasmids or IL-12-expressing plasmid. Our results demonstrated that both rectal and vaginal immunization could induce systemic and mucosal immunity and that these responses were enhanced by the addition of the above cytokine-expressing plasmids. ©2001 Elsevier Science.