DNA Vaccines- A Strong Immunotherapy Solution For The Future!

Third-generation vaccines, or DNA vaccines, use synthetic DNA to boost the host’s immune system in order to protect it from germs, parasites, viruses, and possibly even cancer. DNA vaccines have seen a lot of scientific advances over the last few years, sparking renewed interest and increased promise in the subject. DNA based vaccines trigger an immune system adaptation much like any other kind of vaccine. The key working principle of any DNA vaccine is the use of a DNA vector that encodes for a protein taken from the pathogen against which the vaccine will be directed.

Difference With Regular Vaccines

Standard vaccinations are created using complete bacteria or viruses or even isolated molecules like proteins or carbohydrates. DNA vaccines, on the other hand, make use of bacterial or viral genetic material. The substance instructs the body to produce particular foreign proteins. This trains the body to detect and combat these proteins as a threat. The vaccine sends DNA instructions to the body to produce the protein.

How Does a DNA Vaccine Work?

After the injection of DNA vaccination, the cells transform the virus or bacteria’s gene particle into a protein that the body detects as a foreign element. In response, the immune system produces antibodies that block these specific proteins from binding to the cells and ultimately destroy them. The vaccines instruct the body to detect these proteins in order to fend off future infections. The main benefits of DNA vaccines are:

•       The immune response targets the specific antigen.
•       Cost-effective
•       infection risk is lower
•       Long-term immunogen presence

Applications of DNA Based Vaccines

Only animal species have received DNA vaccinations; however, human vaccine studies are currently being carried out. The following sections go over the possible applications for DNA based vaccines:

Cancer

Throughout the world, cancer has been a leading cause of death. DNA vaccines are solid immunotherapies that have the potential to be helpful for cancer patients. Because of their long-term stability, efficacy, and production simplicity, DNA vaccines are a useful type of antigen-specific immunotherapy.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a serious global health issue. The tubercle bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis triggers an acquired immune response that causes TB. A promising method to combat TB is the use of restorative DNA vaccines.

HIV

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a health emergency brought on by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can be cured using this kind of vaccine. Clinical experiments on DNA vaccines looked into the possible therapeutic and preventive effects of a DNA vaccine against HIV.

Anthrax

Bacillus anthracis, an encapsulated spore-forming bacteria, causes anthrax, an infectious zoonotic condition. A promising strategy in this area appears to be DNA vaccination, which showed various degrees of immunity.

Conclusion

The DNA vaccination field is continuously evolving. Today, no DNA vaccines have been licensed for widespread medical application. Meanwhile, a number of DNA-based vaccines have received approval for veterinary use from both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). There are multiple ongoing human clinical trials for DNA based vaccines, despite the fact that they have not yet been authorized for use in the general public.

Kamlesh Bakshi