Author Description

DNA vaccine research has progressed from the test tube to clinical trials in less than 10 years. This special issue summarizes the latest advances in the field of DNA vaccination against viral infections. An introductory overview of antiviral DNA vaccine research in the years 1998 to 2000 discusses the different target viruses, animal models, improvement strategies as well as the results obtained so far. In the following chapters, leading specialists present their ongoing experiments and preclinical studies. The viruses used as targets in small animal models or primates include HIV, SIV, lyssavirus, influenza A virus and La Crosse virus, a member of the bunyaviridae. Two of the papers deal with safety issues, thus providing important information for authorities, clinicians and patients concerned with risk evaluation. Of decisive importance for the development of DNA vaccination is the improvement of its efficacy, an issue which is discussed in several papers. Approaches to increase the efficacy include targeting of dendritic cells, codon exchange, messenger stabilization, fusion to long-lived protein moieties such as immunoglobulins, nuclear targeting, secretory signals or tissue-specific expression, and, more recently, DNA-prime-, peptide- or particle-based boosting. Needle-free application and low-dose vaccines make DNA an ideal candidate for the treatment and prevention of a large number of diseases. Though still at an early stage of development, hopes that DNA vaccines will one day be used on a worldwide scale are high. Stimulating further interest in this promising approach, this progress report should be read by anyone in academia or in industry involved in vaccine development.