Vaccination has been established as an efficient procedure to prevent infections. Over the past few years, a new method of subunit vaccination has attracted the attention of immunologists. Despite its popularity, it is only recently that the basic mechanisms that drive the immune response to the encoded antigen have begun to unfold. The multidisciplinary approach of this book outlines the basic characteristics of gene (DNA) vaccination, the role of APCs or bone marrow derived cells in the induction of the immune response. It points out the potential applications for various infectious and allergic diseases and describes the multifaceted properties of DNA in initiating and determining the subsequent immune responses to the encoded antigen.

Inhalt

Introduction: Gene Vaccination, Current Concepts and Future Directions.- Plasmid DNA Vaccination: Mechanism of Antigen Presentation.- The Development of a Multivalent DNA Vaccine for Malaria.- DNA Vaccination with Co-Stimulatory Molecules.- Gene Immunization for the Induction of Antigen-Specific, Non MHC-Restricted Responses.- DNA Vaccines With Rapid Intracellular Degradation are More Effective for Inducing CTL.- Genetic Vaccination Against Tuberculosis.- DNA Gene Vaccination for HIV.- DNA-Based Immunization Against Hepatitis B Virus.- Gene Vaccination for Hepatitis C.- Gene Immunization for Allergic Disorders.- Immunization With DNA Vaccines in Early Life: Advantages and Limitations as Compared to Convential Vaccines.- DNA Vaccination by Somatic Transgene Immunization.- DNA Vaccines: Safety and Efficacy Issues.- Genetic Vaccines - A Revolution in Vaccinology?.