DNAvacciner

DNAvacciner, or DNA vaccines, are a class of vaccines that deliver genetic material—typically plasmid DNA encoding one or more antigens—to the recipient’s cells. The cells then produce the encoded antigen, which stimulates an immune response.

The immune response from DNAvacciner can involve both antibodies and T cell–mediated immunity. Delivery methods aim to introduce the genetic material into host cells efficiently; common approaches include intramuscular or intradermal injections, sometimes enhanced by electroporation, or through particle-based or nanoparticle formulations that improve uptake.

History and development of DNAvacciner began in the 1990s with concept and animal studies, followed by human trials in the late 1990s. Over the ensuing decades, research progressed in infectious diseases and cancer vaccines, aided by advances in delivery technologies and adjuvants. While early enthusiasm was tempered by variable immunogenicity in humans, ongoing optimization has kept the platform under active investigation.

Advantages of DNA vaccines include relatively straightforward manufacturing, stability under certain storage conditions, and the potential for rapid design and production, including multivalent formulations that target several antigens. They also offer versatility for rapid deployment in outbreak settings and for personalized cancer vaccines in theory.

Challenges remain, such as achieving robust and durable immune responses in humans, ensuring efficient delivery to target cells, and navigating regulatory and safety assessments. Concerns about genetic integration are typically mitigated by the predominance of episomal plasmids, but continued evaluation is required.

As of the early 2020s, DNAvacciner have found limited use in veterinary medicine and remain in development for human use, with several candidates in clinical trials worldwide. The field continues to explore improvements in delivery, safety, and efficacy.