Efficient homologous prime-boost strategies for T cell vaccination based on virus-like particles.

Journal article

Induction of high frequencies of specific T cells by vaccination requires prime-boost regimens. To reach optimal immune responses, it is necessary to use different vectors for priming and boosting as e.g. DNA vaccination followed by boosting with a recombinant viral vector. Here, we show that vaccines based on virus-like particles (VLP) displaying peptide epitopes are equally effective to induce CTL responses if used in a homologous or heterologous prime-boost setting. Strikingly, high frequencies (>20% of CD8(+) cells) of protective CTL could be induced and maintained by weekly injection of VLP. Thus, the use of VLP may avoid the requirement for complicated heterologous prime-boost regimens, facilitating the development of effective T cell-based vaccines.

Authors: Schwarz, K; Meijerink, E; Speiser, D; Tissot, A; Cielens, I

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: European journal of immunology
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 816-821
• Publication date: 2005-03-01
• DOI: 10.1002/eji.200425755
• EISSN: 1521-4141
• ISSN: 0014-2980
• Language: English
• Keywords: Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; Vaccinia virus; Female; Vaccinia; Vaccines, DNA; Vaccination; Animals; Virion; T-Lymphocytes; CpG Islands; Viral Vaccines; Mice; Hepatitis B Core Antigens