ABSTRACT
Evaluation of Bax encoding plasmid for increasing efficacy of DNA vaccine plasmid encoding gB of Herpes Simplex Virus type 1. Materials and Methods: We compared three different dosages of Bax encoding plasmid [pcbax] including 10, 25 and 50 ?g of plasmid DNA. They were co-injected ineradermally with glycoprotein B [gB] of herpes simplex virus [HSV]-1 encoded plasmid [pcgB] in C57BL/6 mice to elicit immune responses to protect against lethal HSV-1 challenge. Immune responses to the antigen were assessed by lymphocyte proliferative responses and cytokine [INF-gamma and IL-4] release assays. The study demonstrates that the mice immunized with 25 micro g pcbax together with pcgB have more efficient protection than the mice immunized with 10 and 50 micro g of pcbax and pcgB. Analysing of cell-mediated responses show that the mice immunized with 25micro g pcbax and pcgB induce stronger lymphocyte proliferative responses and higher levels of INF-gamma and IL-4 compared to the mice are received 10 and 50 micro g of pcbax and pcgB. The data show that co-immunization with 25 micro g of pcbax and pcgB increase immune responses compared to 10 and 50 micro g of pcbax and pcgB. This can be considered a promising approach for development an efficient DNA vaccine against HSV-1 or other pathogens