DNA vaccines: improving expression of antigens

Helen S Garmory¹ , Katherine A Brown² and Richard W Titball¹^,3

¹Dstl Chemical and Biological Sciences, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ, UK

²Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Molecular Microbiology and Infection, Imperial College of London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK

³Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK

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Genetic Vaccines and Therapy 2003, 1:2doi:10.1186/1479-0556-1-2


Published:	16 September 2003

Abstract

DNA vaccination is a relatively recent development in vaccine methodology. It is now possible to undertake a rational step-by-step approach to DNA vaccine design. Strategies may include the incorporation of immunostimulatory sequences in the backbone of the plasmid, co-expression of stimulatory molecules, utilisation of localisation/secretory signals, and utilisation of the appropriate delivery system, for example. However, another important consideration is the utilisation of methods designed to optimise transgene expression. In this review we discuss the importance of regulatory elements, kozak sequences and codon optimisation in transgene expression.