In vivo delivery of pPERDBY to BALB/c mice by LacVax.sup.[R]DNA-I and comparison of elicited immune response with conventional immunization methods

• Published in: Gene therapy Vol. 25; no. 7; pp. 485 - 486
• Main Authors: Yagnik, Bhrugu, Sharma, Drashya, Padh, Harish, Desai, Priti
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Publishing Group 01-10-2018
• Subjects: Antigens; Bacterial vaccines; DNA; Gene expression; Genetic aspects; Genetic research; Immune response; Immunization; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Journalists; Lactococcus; Pathogenic microorganisms; Physiological aspects; Vaccination; Vaccines
• ISSN: 0969-7128; 1476-5462
• DOI: 10.1038/s41434-018-0033-8

The non-invasive food grade Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) represents a safe and attractive alternative to invasive pathogens for the delivery of plasmid DNA at mucosal sites. We have earlier shown the DNA delivery potential of r-L. lactis harboring DNA vaccine reporter plasmid; pPERDBY in vitro. In the present work, we examined in vivo delivery potential of food grade non-invasive r-L. lactis::pPERDBY (LacVax.sup.®DNA-I) in BALB/c mice. Moreover, using EGFP as a model antigen, we also characterized and compared the immune response elicited by LacVax.sup.®DNA-I with other conventional vaccination approaches using protein and naked DNA immunization. The presence of antigen-specific serum IgG and fecal secretory IgA (sIgA) antibodies demonstrated in vivo DNA delivery and immune elicitation potential of the developed LacVax.sup.®DNA-I. As compared with intramuscular injection, oral delivery of pPERDBY via L. lactis resulted in a significantly rapid increase in IgG and higher sIgA titers, indicating the immunogenic and immunostimulatory properties of the LacVax.sup.®DNA-I. The needle-free immunization with LacVax.sup.®DNA-I led to increased production of IL-4, an indicator of Th2 screwed response. To the best of our knowledge, this report for the first time outlines comparison of orally administered LacVax.sup.®DNA-I with other conventional vaccination approaches.