DNA INCREASES THE POTENCY OF VACCINATION AGAINST INFECTIOUS-DISEASES

In the past couple of years, the idea that naked DNA can be used to va ccinate against infections has been rapidly developing. In contrast to traditional protein or live attenuated vaccines, there is no risk of disease caused by DNA vaccines as only selected proteins are encoded. The ease with which DNA may be manipulated means that vaccines can be custom designed to meet many needs. In animal model systems, DNA vacci nes have proved to be as effective as traditional vaccines. Additional ly, this technology may also be used to control existing chronic infec tions. Possibilities for treating hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus-2 and HIV, as well as infections with parasites, are being explored with success. (C) Current Biology Ltd ISSN 1367-5931.