Genetic immunization is a simple method for eliciting an immune response

D Tang, M DeVit, SA Johnston - Nature, 1992 - nature.com
D Tang, M DeVit, SA Johnston
Nature, 1992nature.com
To produce an immune reaction against a foreign protein usually requires purification of that
protein, which is then injected into an animal. The isolation of enough pure protein is time-
consuming and sometimes difficult. Here we report that such a response can also be elicited
by introducing the gene encoding a protein directly into the skin of mice. This is achieved
using a hand-held form of the biolistic system1–4 which can propel DNA-coated gold micro-
projectiles directly into cells in the living animal3, 5, 6. Genetic immunization may be time …
Abstract
To produce an immune reaction against a foreign protein usually requires purification of that protein, which is then injected into an animal. The isolation of enough pure protein is time-consuming and sometimes difficult. Here we report that such a response can also be elicited by introducing the gene encoding a protein directly into the skin of mice. This is achieved using a hand-held form of the biolistic system1–4 which can propel DNA-coated gold micro-projectiles directly into cells in the living animal3,5,6. Genetic immunization may be time- and labour-saving in producing antibodies and may offer a unique method for vaccination.
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