GENETIC-CONTROL OF IMMUNE-RESPONSES TO HIV-1 ENV DNA VACCINE

We investigated the genetic control of immunoglobulin production and t he delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response produced by an HIV-spe cific DNA vaccine using several strains of mice. Murine antigen-specif ic immunoglobulin production was determined by ELISA. The DTH response was assessed in terms of the footpad swelling reaction. All strains o f mice, except for B10.RIII and B10.T(6R), exhibited strong immunoglob ulin production and footpad swelling in response to the DNA vaccine. I n vitro treatment of lymphoid cells with monoclonal antibodies showed that the footpad swelling response was mediated by CD4(+)8(-) and Ia-T cells. However CD8(+) T cells did not suppress footpad swelling. Ther e was no difference in the induction of HIV-specific immunoglobulin pr oduction or DTH response induced by the DNA vaccine among the strains, suggesting that HIV-specific DNA vaccine is useful for immunizing var ious populations against HIV-1.