18.1 Features of DNA vaccines

It is the efficient machinery of the virus that allows it to introduce its genetic material into the host cell. This is the reason why it was unbelievable for many researchers that a simple plasmid could enter the mammalian cell and synthesize the desired protein. Use of DNA plasmids as gene delivery vehicles is very convenient as compared to other methods as it does need any modification except a promoter active in mammalian cells. Still the use of DNA vaccines is a topic of debate because of its safety concerns.

Figure 18.2 Schematic representation of a DNA vaccine: