DNA vaccines: a rational design against parasitic diseases.

Abstract

Parasitic diseases are one of the most devastating causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although immunization against these infections would be an ideal solution, the development of effective vaccines has been hampered by specific challenges posed by parasitic pathogens. Plasmid-based DNA vaccines may prove to be promising immunization tools in this area because vectors can be designed to integrate several antigens from different stages of the parasite life cycle or different subspecies; vaccines, formulations and immunization protocols can be tuned to match the immune response that offers protective immunity; and DNA vaccination is an affordable platform for developing countries. Partial and full protective immunity have been reported following DNA vaccination against the most significant parasitic diseases in the world.

• Authors: Joana A Carvalho, Jean Rodgers, Jorge Atouguia, Duarte M F Prazeres, Gabriel A Monteiro
• Journal: Expert review of vaccines (Expert Rev Vaccines) Vol. 9 Issue 2 Pg. 175-91 (Feb 2010) ISSN: 1744-8395 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 20109028 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Protozoan Vaccines
• Vaccines, DNA

Topics

• Animals
• Humans
• Parasitic Diseases (immunology, prevention & control)
• Protozoan Vaccines (genetics, immunology)
• Vaccines, DNA (genetics, immunology)