Fish Immunology (1+1)

Unit 14 - Vaccine

14.5. DNA vaccine
This vaccine is still in experimental form. Here the gene of the pathogen is clone into vector and the vector is inserted into the animal by using gene gun. Once the vector is introduced the protein that act as antigen is produced inside the host and stimulate the immune response. DNA vaccine can induce both humoral and cellular immunity.
Advantages

• DNA is stable, hence can be easily stored and transported.
• DNA sequence can be changed easily in the laboratory.
• DNA does not replicate and encodes only the proteins of interest

Disadvantages:

• Insertional mutation may be possible
• Anti DNA antibodies may be produced against the inserted vector
• Since the antigen is expressed in the host immunologic tolerance may develop.
• Ethical issues.