Macaques co-immunized with SIVgag/pol-HIVenv and IL-12 plasmid have increased cellular responses.

BACKGROUND

The cell mediated immune profiles following immunization with a recombinant DNA vaccine was assessed in the simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) and Macaque model. Earlier work demonstrated increased numbers of antigen specific CD8 and CD4 effector cells able to secrete IFN-gamma.

METHOD

The vaccine strategy included co-immunization of a DNA based vaccine alone or in combination with a macaque IL-12 expressing plasmid (pmacIL12). Antigen activated lymphocytes were studied for activation of a set of immunological molecules.

RESULTS

The current study demonstrates lymphocytes isolated and activated from the group that was immunized with DNA and pmacIL12 had a higher level of IFN-gamma producing cells. We also observed a different immunological profile when comparing the cells isolated from macaques immunized with DNA as compared to those animals that also received pmacIL12.

CONCLUSION

The observed immune profiles are reflective of the co-delivery of pmacIL12 and demonstrates that IL-12 can increase the magnitude and polyfunctionality of the cellular immune response.