This document discusses recombinant DNA vaccines. It explains that DNA vaccines use genetic material from pathogens to induce an immune response against the pathogen. The genetic material is injected into host cells where it is expressed to produce foreign antigens that the immune system responds to. This induces both antibody and cellular immunity. Recombinant DNA vaccines are considered a third generation of vaccines as they rely on plasmid DNA to produce antigens rather than an inactivated or attenuated pathogen. They have advantages like inducing long-lasting immunity and not requiring refrigeration. However, they can currently only encode protein antigens. Human trials are ongoing for DNA vaccines against diseases like AIDS, influenza, Ebola, and malaria.

1. Recombinant DNA Vaccines
By
Prekshi Garg
M.Tech (BT)- IInd sem

2. VACCINES
 VACCINES ARE NON-TOXIC OR NON-VIRULENT PREPARATION OF ANTIGENIC
MATERIAL THAT CAN BE USED TO INDUCE LONG TERM HUMORAL AS WELL AS A
CELL MEDIATED IMMUNE RESPONSE AGAINST PATHOGENS.

3. Ideal Vaccines
 Cost Effective
 Effective after a single dose
 Applicable to number of diseases
 Administered by oral route
 Could be given early in life

4. Recombinant DNA Vaccines
 DNA vaccines, also known as genetic vaccines, use the genetic material of the
pathogen itself to immunize the individual. In this class of vaccine, fragments of the
pathogen's genome encoding antigenic proteins are injected directly into the host
cells where they can integrate into the chromosomal DNA.
 Expression of genes within the host generate foreign particles to which the host
immune system responds.
 Hence, in DNA vaccines, an immune response is made against the protein encoded
by the vaccine DNA.
 The DNA itself is not immunogenic.
 DNA vaccines itself induce both humoral as well as cell mediated immunity.

7.  Recombinant DNA vaccines are 3rd generation vaccines, that is, plasmids/genes are
responsible for antigen formation.
 These vaccines can be administered through
* Intramuscular injection (intradermal injection)
* Gene gun delivery (involves pressure delivery of plasmid coated gold beads)
* Nasal spray

8. Advantages
 DNA vaccines induce both humoral and cell mediated immunity.
 DNA vaccines cause prolonged expression of the antigens, thus leads to longer
protection.
 Refrigeration of DNA vaccines is not required which greatly lowers the cost and
reduces complexity of delivery.

9. Limitation
 Only protein antigens can be encoded. Vaccines where polysaccharide antigens are
to be used (eg:- pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines) could not be made.

10. Current Scenario
 Human trials are going on for DNA vaccines produced for-
* AIDS
* Influenza
* Ebola
* Herpes virus
* Malaria

11. Thank you..!!