A vector DNA vaccine encoding pseudorabies virus immediate early protein demonstrates partial protection in mice against lethal virus challenge

An earlier study in our laboratory provided evidence that pseudorabies virus (PrV) immediate early protein (IE180) may contribute to the overall immune response against PrV. To examine the response by IE180 more closely, we initiated a vaccine trial in mice with a vector DNA construct that contains the gene encoding for IE180, designated pcDNAIE180. The DNA vaccine was delivered in gold microcarriers using a Helios Gene Gun, and 70% of BALB/c mice given the DNA vaccine (2 microg/mouse) seroconverted within 2 weeks. The remaining negative mice seroconverted after a single vaccine booster. Essentially similar results were obtained on vaccination of C57BL/6 mice, whereas C3H/HeJ mice remained negative after the first vaccination, but responded after a booster. Seven months after immunization with pcDNAIE180, an overall 25% of BALB/c, C3H/HeJ, and C57BL/6 mice receiving a lethal PrV challenge were protected. In addition, a significant passive transfer of IE180-specific antibodies to the offspring from pregnant mice vaccinated with pcDNAIE180 was observed. Interestingly, a moderate level of protection (27.6%) was also observed when these offspring received a lethal PrV challenge. Moreover, an enhancement of immune responses and a twofold increase in the level of protection were observed in mice that received a second vaccine booster by gene gun 8 months after the first vaccination. Together, these data support the theory that IE180 may indeed play a role in the overall protective immunity against PrV.

[Immunoregulation effect of traditional Chinese medicine treatment on patients with oral lichen planus]

OBJECTIVE

To explore effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment on immune state of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP).

METHODS

30 cases of patients with OLP were treated by TCM and peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subgroup in these patients were determined.

RESULTS

CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD3 ratio of patients with OLP were decreased significantly, compared with that of health people (P < 0.01) before TCM treatment, while after TCM treatment CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD3 ratio were increased significantly (P < 0.01) and the latter recovered to normal, 8 patients recovered, 14 cases significantly improved, and 8 cases improved.

CONCLUSION

TCM therapy is useful for the treatment of OLP. It acts biphasically a regulation effect on the immunologic balance of the patient.