The development of polyplex-based DNA vaccines

DNA immunisation provides new possibilities for the development of effective vaccines for the prophylaxis and treatment of several diseases and infections. Application of such vaccines for mucosal (secretory or local) vaccination provides a powerful means to gain protection against local infection that enters and colonises the mucosa whilst inducing concomitant systemic immunity. This review examines the current and potential applications for polyplex-based mucosal vaccination strategies, notably those aimed at gaining expression of transgenes within dendritic cells, in order to gain both T-helper and cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses. Emphasis is given to the development of polyplex-based oral vaccines in conjunction with microparticulate systems.