Current status of DNA vaccines in veterinary medicine

DNA vaccination entails administration of the DNA itself encoding antigen t o direct synthesis of the antigen directly in the target organism. The targ et organism's immune system recognizes the antigen, and generates humoral ( antibody)- and/or cell-mediated immune response. DNA Vaccines afford numero us advantages over conventional vaccines, including ease of production, sta bility and transport. They overcome the need to cultivate dangerous infecti ous agents, and provide a possibility to vaccinate against multiple pathoge ns in a single shot. DNA vaccination is beginning to be explored for many p athogens of veterinary interest. The status of DNA vaccines in poultry, liv estock and companion animals is reviewed here. While examples of DNA vaccin es being tested in the veterinary field are not numerous, the early studies highlight the potential DNA vaccinology offers in veterinary medicine. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science BN. All rights reserved.