Using an immune system gene to enhance a vaccine used to study HIV in Macaque monkeys have been developed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

This multi-year study found that the addition of a molecule called Interleukin-15 effectively boosts the effects of a vaccine derived from the DNA of simian HIV. The study illustrates that DNA vaccine effectiveness can be improved by the inclusion of specific immune adjuvants, or helpers.

The said enhanced vaccine provided those monkeys with greater protection against simian HIV (SHIV) than an unmodified vaccine.




According to senior author David B. Weiner, PhD, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Penn.:

"DNA vaccine technology has great promise for the development of vaccines and immune therapeutics for a variety of infectious diseases and cancers.

While previous studies have established that the technology can induce immune responses safely, "improving the immune potency of this platform is critical for further development in humans."

The added molecule - cytokine IL-15 - is a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease - helps better immune responses and protection.

While conducted in primates the results may be replicated in humans, perhaps, in the near future.

Find more details from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.