[Frontiers in Bioscience E4, 2340-2353, June 1, 2012]

Vaginal DNA vaccination against infectious diseases transmitted through the vagina

Takanori Kanazawa1, Yuuki Takashima1, Hiroaki Okada1

1Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Effects of the menstrual cycle
4. Vaginal and systemic immune responses by various inoculation routes
5. Utilization of CPP and NLS for vaginal DNA vaccination
5.1. CPP and NLS for gene delivery
5.2. Vaginal gene expression upon vaginal DNA delivery using CPP and NLS
5.3. Immune responses at both the local and systemic levels upon vaginal DNA immunization using CPP and NLS
6. Needle-free injector for vaginal DNA vaccination
7. Conclusion
8. Acknowledgements
9. References

1. ABSTRACT

There is an urgent need for the development of vaccines against genital virus infections that are transmitted through heterosexual intercourse, including the HIV and HPV. In general, the surface of female genital mucosa, including vaginal mucosa, is the most common site of initiation of these infections. Thus, it is becoming clear that successful vaccines must induce both cellular and humoral immune responses in both the local genital tract and systemically. We believe that a strong vaginal immune response could be obtained by inducing strong gene expression of antigen-coding DNA in the local targeted tissue. In order to improve transfection efficiency in the vagina, it is important that methods allowing breakthrough of the various barriers, such as the epithelial layer, cellular and nuclear membrane, are developed. Therefore, systems providing less invasive and more effective delivery into the subepithelial layer are required. In this review, we will introduce our studies into efficient vaginal DNA vaccination methods, focusing on the effects of the menstrual cycle, utilization of the combination of functional peptides, and use of a needle-free injector.