DNA-based or genetic vaccination is an efficient new technique to stimulate
specific immune responses after in vivo delivery of bacteria[ plasmids enc
oding antigens. In mice and in various other animal models for hepadnavirus
infection, DNA vaccines specific for hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens indu
ce a strong humoral and cell-mediated immunity that confers protection in s
ome models. Although there are effective prophylactic vaccines already avai
lable for HBV, there is currently no effective treatment for chronic HBV in
fection. Patients with HBV-associated liver disease are at increased risk o
f developing hepatocellular carcinoma and would greatly benefit from the av
ailability of a therapeutic vaccine against HBV. By inducing immune respons
es closely related to those involved in clearing virus from the host, DNA v
accines may represent an alternative therapeutic approach for chronic HBV i
nfection. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.