Alphavirus vectors have been engineered for high-level gene expression relying originally on replication-deficient recombinant particles, more recently designed for plasmid DNA-based administration. As alphavirus-based DNA vectors encode the alphavirus RNA replicon genes, enhanced transgene expression in comparison to conventional DNA plasmids is achieved. Immunization studies with alphavirus-based DNA plasmids have elicited specific antibody production, have generated tumor regression and protection against challenges with infectious agents and tumor cells in various animal models. A limited number of clinical trials have been conducted with alphavirus DNA vectors. Compared to conventional plasmid DNA-based immunization, alphavirus DNA vectors required 1000-fold less DNA to elicit similar immune responses in rodents.
Kenneth Lundstrom. Impact of a Plasmid DNA-Based Alphavirus Vaccine on Immunization Efficiency. Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.). 2021;2197:33-47
PMID: 32827131
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