Molecular medicine: DNA vaccines

Article Abstract:

DNA vaccines eventually may be developed that stimulate immunity against various viruses. DNA vaccines consist of genes that cells take up and express, producing viral proteins. These proteins, or antigens, are transported to the cell membrane where they stimulate an immune response involving T cells. Naked-DNA vaccines may be more effective than DNA vaccines consisting of DNA inserted in a harmless carrier virus. Researchers have created a naked-DNA vaccine for influenza that has been effective in protecting laboratory animals. DNA vaccines have the potential to boost the immune response in someone with a chronic infection with a virus such as HIV. DNA vaccines may be better than standard vaccines, which consist of viruses or pieces of viruses, and may also be safer and better at stimulating a specific immune response. However, DNA vaccines may cause other problems such as genetic mutations or an immune response against the host's own cells.

Research, Genetic aspects, DNA, Gene therapy

---

Antisense-oligonucleotide therapy

Article Abstract:

Short strands of DNA that are complementary to the information contained in the "sense" strand of RNA can be used to disrupt the production of the protein products translated from RNA. This approach, called antisense therapy, is being used to target the RNA of cytomegalovirus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and has proven successful in decreasing blood pressure in rats by blocking production of angiotensin, a protein associated with hypertension in humans. The rapid degradation of the short DNA strands, or oligonucleotides, by enzymes in the body necessitate administration of large doses. Chemical modifications may create more stable DNA. Although DNA strands might be better administered by incorporating them into viral DNA and allowing virus-infected cells to make the antisense strand, this approach could be risky. Targeting DNA to specific cells may be accomplished by linking it to proteins that bind to certain cell types.

Antisense nucleic acids

---

Immunization

Article Abstract:

Immunization is the process of administering vaccines or other substances to induce an immune response that protects against disease. Vaccines provide an antigen from an infectious organism to stimulate the immune system to protect against future infection. Passive immunization is conferred by directly providing antibodies or antitoxins for shorter-term protection. Routine immunizations are recommended for children, adults, travelers, and immunocompromized persons. Researchers are investigating viral DNA and vaccine combinations to improve immunization programs.

Analysis, Usage, Immunization

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Bad medicine. Riboswitches as antibacterial drug targets. Prospects for plant-derived antibacterials
• Abstracts: Trainer to the pros. Armed intensity. After the layoff: coming back bigger and stronger than ever!
• Abstracts: N.Y. seeks market solutions. Medicine seeks input on pending Medicare coverage rule
• Abstracts: Shoulder disorders in general practice: incidence, patient characteristics, and management. On the course of low back pain in general practice: a one year follow up study
• Abstracts: Cyclophosphamide and cisplatin compared with paclitaxel and cisplatin in patients with stage III and stage IV ovarian cancer

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.