Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A DNA/Ki67-Based Flow Cytometry Assay for Cell Cycle Analysis of Antigen-Specific CD8 T Cells in Vaccinated Mice
Published on: January 5, 2021
Critical role for DNA vaccination frequency in induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic responses
Lucie Heinzerling1, Veronique Basch, Kevin Maloy
1Unit for Experimental Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Since antigen-persistence plays a role for induction of immunity, we investigated the in vivo pharmacokinetic of a naked DNA vaccine at the site of its action, i.e., in the lymph node. After direct intralymphatic injection, naked DNA vaccine degraded within a few hours. In correlation with the short persistence of the DNA vaccine we found that the frequency of vaccination critically influenced the strength of the immune response. In mice vaccinated every 3 days, cytotoxic T-cell responses were enhanced compared to immunization in 6 or 9 days intervals. The results suggest that the so far disappointing efficiency of naked DNA vaccines in humans may be overcome by more frequent vaccination.
Related Concept Videos
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Vaccinations
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Vaccines
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...

