A new type multiple-epitope DNA vaccine against HIV

Objective: To develop a new type multiple-epitope DNA vaccine based on HIV's multiple-epitope antigen gene. Methods: Using PCR, a brand-new 634bp-KTV antigen gene was assembled by extending some of the overlapping oligos together, which were synthesized by chemical methed. Minigene plasmid DNA used for immunization was subcloned into the pVAXI expression vector. BALB/c mice were immunized, to test both humoral and cellular immune responses. Besides, we also studied relative potency of HIV multiple-epitope DNA vaccine vs whole gene (pVAXI-gag-gp120) for epitope-specific CTL. Results: The designed HIV multiple-epitope DNA vaccines simultaneously induced epitope-specific humoral and cellular immunity in BALB/c mice and HIV multiple-epitope DNA vaccine has induced higher epitope-specific CTL responses. Conclusion: The designed HIV multiple-epitope DNA vaccine induces a good humoral and cellular immunogenecity in mice.