DNA vaccines expressing retrovirus-like particles are efficient immunogens to induce neutralizing antibodies

We aimed at improving DNA vaccination efficiency for inducing neutralizing antibodies. We used plasmids encoding Gag of MLV and envelope proteins of VSV or WNV. Upon in vivo injection, they generate retrovirus-derived VLPs pseudotyped with these envelopes expressed in their wild-type conformation. We show that these plasmo-retroVLPs induce potent humoral responses, the efficacy of which could be improved by co-administration of DNA encoding adjuvant cytokines. Antibodies against VSV or WNV were detected earlier than with plasmids not generating VLPs, and had higher neutralizing activities. These results highlight the potential of this approach for vaccination strategies aiming at neutralizing antibody induction.