Cell-mediated DNA transport between distant inflammatory sites following intradermal DNA immunization in the presence of adjuvant

After intradermal genetic immunization, naked DNA is transported from the s ite of injection to regional lymph nodes. Little is known on how inflammati on influences this process and whether DNA is transported beyond local lymp h nodes, In the experiments herein reported, we injected naked DNA in the p resence of adjuvant to address questions related to 1) the fate of naked DN A in the presence of inflammation; 2) the generation of immune responses to the encoded protein during inflammation; and, more in general, 3) the fate of ingested molecules beyond regional lymph nodes during inflammation, Two sites of inflammation were induced in vivo in mice. Naked DNA was injected in the nape together with adjuvant, and adjuvant only was injected at a di stant peritoneal site, Injected DNA, uptaken at the primary dermal site of inflammation. was transported beyond regional lymph nodes to distant organs such as the spleen and to the distant peritoneal site of inflammation. Thi s transport, mediated by CD11b(+) cells, was cumulative during chronic infl ammation. These results indicate a novel route of transport of DNA beyond r egional lymph nodes and may have specific implications for DNA-based immune modulation.