Improvement of cytomegalovirus pp65 DNA vaccine efficacy by co-administration of siRNAs targeting BAK and BAX.

ABSTRACT: The efficacy of DNA vaccines may be improved by small interfering (si)RNA adjuvants targeting pro-apoptotic genes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the capacity of siRNAs targeting B-cell lymphoma 2 homologous antagonist killer (BAK) and B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein (BAX) to improve the efficacy of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine. BALB/c mice were divided into four groups (n=18 in each): unimmunized and immunized with pcDNA 3.1-pp65 expressing CMV 65 kDa matrix phosphoprotein and BAK + BAX siRNAs, pcDNA 3.1-pp65 and control siRNA, or control pcDNA 3.1 and BAK + BAX siRNAs. Immunizations were performed twice with an interval of 3 weeks. CMV-specific mouse splenocyte interferon (IFN)-γ secretion was assessed by ELISPOT; furthermore, an in vivo cytotoxic T lymp

SUBMITTER: Liu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5450512 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature