First human trial of a DNA-based vaccine for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection: Safety and host response

Rob Roy MacGregor, Jean D. Boyer, Kenneth E. Ugen, Kim E. Lacy, Stephen J. Gluckman, Mark L. Bagarazzi, Michael A. Chattergoon, Yaela Baine, Terry J. Higgins, Richard B. Ciccarelli, Leslie R. Coney, Richard S. Ginsberg, David B. Weiner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

508 Scopus citations

Abstract

A DNA-based vaccine containing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV- 1) env and rev genes was tested for safety and host immune response in 15 asymptomatic HIV-infected patients who were not using antiviral drugs and who had CD4+ lymphocyte counts of ≤500 per microliter of blood. Successive groups received three doses of vaccine (30, 100, or 300 μg) at 10-week intervals in a dose-escalation trial. Vaccine administration induced no local or systemic reactions, and no laboratory abnormalities were detected. Specifically, no patient developed anti-DNA antibody or muscle enzyme elevations. No consistent change occurred in CD4 or CD8 lymphocyte counts or in plasma HIV concentration. Antibody against gp120 increased in individual patients in the 100- and 300-μg groups. Some increases were noted in cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against gp160-bearing targets and in lymphocyte proliferative activity. The safety and potential immunogenicity of an HIV-directed DNA-based vaccine was demonstrated, a finding that should encourage further studies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)92-100
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume178
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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