INDUCTION OF IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS-SPECIFIC IMMUNE-RESPONSES IN RHESUS-MONKEYS FOLLOWING GENE GUN-MEDIATED DNA VACCINATION

The Accell(R) gene delivery system (gene gun) was used to deliver gold particles coated with HIV-1(LAI) and SIVmac239 expression constructs into the epidermis of rhesus macaques, resulting in the elicitation of env- and gag-specific humoral responses. One microgram of vector DNA per dose was sufficient to induce immune responses in monkeys using SI Vmac239 gp160 and gp120 vectors driven by the CMV-intron A promoter. S everal parameters, including the identity of the vector, the length of the rest period between immunizations, the number of immunizations, a nd the amount of DNA per immunization, are all important in designing an optimal DNA immunization regimen. In addition, gene gun-based DNA i mmunization using low efficiency expression vectors is an effective me ans of priming for the induction of vigorous antibody responses in mac aques following boosting with recombinant subunits.