Macaques co-immunized with SIVgag/pol-HIVenv and IL-12 plasmid have increased cellular responses

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Primate Models

Background:

• Assessing cell-mediated immune profiles after recombinant DNA vaccination in the simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) Macaque model.
• Previous studies indicated increased antigen-specific CD8 and CD4 effector cells secreting IFN-gamma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of co-administering a macaque IL-12 expressing plasmid (pmacIL12) with a DNA vaccine on cellular immune responses in macaques.
• To characterize the immunological profiles induced by DNA vaccination alone versus DNA vaccination combined with pmacIL12.

Main Methods:

• Macaques were immunized with a DNA-based vaccine, either alone or in combination with pmacIL12.
• Antigen-activated lymphocytes were analyzed for the expression of various immunological molecules, including IFN-gamma production.

Main Results:

• Lymphocytes from macaques immunized with both DNA and pmacIL12 exhibited significantly higher levels of IFN-gamma producing cells.
• Distinct immunological profiles were observed when comparing macaques that received DNA vaccine alone versus those that received DNA vaccine plus pmacIL12.

Conclusions:

• Co-delivery of pmacIL12 with the DNA vaccine modulated the observed immune profiles.
• Interleukin-12 (IL-12) demonstrated the capacity to enhance both the magnitude and polyfunctionality of the cellular immune response in this model.