Mechanisms and therapeutic applications of immune stimulatory CpG DNA

Aside from its function as the "blueprint of life" that encodes genetic inf ormation, DNA can have direct immune activities. The immune system has evol ved a defense mechanism that is able to distinguish microbial DNA from our own because of differences in the frequency and methylation of CpG dinucleo tides in particular base contexts. Within minutes of detecting such "GpG-S DNA," cells of the innate immune system become activated and produce cytoki nes that promote the generation of antigen specific T- helper-1-like immune responses. Animal studies indicate therapeutic utility for CpG-S DNA as a vaccine adjuvant and for the immunotherapy of cancer and infectious and all ergic diseases. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.