Induction of HIV-1 specific mucosal immune responses by DNA vaccination.

DNA vaccination has been shown to induce immunity against several different pathogens including HIV-1. The authors demonstrate here that administration of DNA vaccines via the intranasal route is sufficient to induce immune responses both at distal mucosal sites and systemically. Since transmission of HIV-1 occurs largely across mucosal surfaces, the intranasal route provides a further means of application for DNA immunization.