Induction of HIV-1 Nef-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes by Nef-expressing DNA vaccine

Recently, some individuals who have remained seronegative despite definite exposure to HIV-1 have been reported. Among these individuals, an unusually high frequency of HIV-1 Nef-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes was observed. Direct injection of plasmid DNA encoding foreign antigen can elicit both cell-mediated immunity and antibody responses (DNA vaccine). We constructed an HIV-1 Nef-expressing plasmid, and we induced HIV-1 Nef-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This is the first report of inducing HIV-1 Nef-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes by DNA vaccine.