Enhanced in vivo immunogenicity of SIV vaccine candidates with cationic liposome-DNA complexes in a rhesus macaque pilot study

• DOI: 10.4161/hv.5.3.6589
• Publication Date: 2010-01-26T15:14:13Z
• Authors: Jeff Fairman; Joseph Moore; Mathieu Lemieux; Koen Van Rompay; Yongzhi Geng; John Warner; Kristina Abel
• Keywords: Male; 0301 basic medicine; B-Lymphocytes; T-Lymphocytes; SAIDS Vaccines; Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Pilot Projects; Macaca mulatta; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; Liposomes; Animals; Immunologic Memory

This pilot study tested the immunogenicity of a novel cationic liposome-DNA complex (CLDC) immunomodulatory vaccine adjuvant. Combined with a specific antigen, CLDC enhanced anti-SIV immune responses induced by various SIV vaccine candidates. Rhesus macaques immunized in the presence of CLDC developed stronger SIV-specific T and B cell responses compared to animals immunized without CLDC. These differences persisted and resulted in better memory responses after an in vivo boost of the animals several months later with whole AT-2 inactivated SIVmac239. Thus, CLDC should be explored further as a potential immunomodulatory adjuvant in HIV vaccine design.