Immunostimulatory CpG Oligonucleotides as an Adjuvant with Recombinant DNA Vaccine Encoding Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein

The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of DNA vaccines have been amply demonstrated in numerous animal models against infectious diseases. In order to increase the potency of DNA vaccines, we have compared the immune response of conventional adjuvants such as aluminum phosphates, Dendrosome, CpG motif and mixture of aluminum phosphate and CpG motif. Female BALB/c mice were immunized with 10, 25 and 50 microgram of HCV core pcDNA3 plasmid mixed with the adjuvants. Each dose of recombinant pcDNA3 and different adjuvant were used as an immunogen in three IM injection periods. Blood samples were collected at four different times. The data indicate that the antibody response achieved following DNA immunization can be enhanced by CpG motif as molecular adjuvant