Intramuscular co-injection of naked DNA encoding HBV core antigen and Flt3 ligand suppresses anti-HBc antibody response

Immunol Lett. 2002 May 1;81(3):229-34. doi: 10.1016/s0165-2478(02)00039-1.

Abstract

Flt3 ligand, a recently described growth factor affecting early hematopoietic progenitor cells, can also support the expansion of dendritic cells secreting IL-12. Its potential use in a clinical setting has been suggested. Here, we studied the effect of in situ delivery of Flt3 ligand plasmid (FL) on the antibody response induced by DNA vaccine encoding wild-type hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBc/w). Intramuscular injection of FL increased the expression of DEC205 and the size of splenocytes, and immunization with HBc/w or HBc/w-transfected EL-4 cells induced strong anti-HBc antibody responses in mice. However, intramuscular injection of FL with HBc/w significantly suppressed HBc/w-induced antibody response in a dose-dependent manner. Suppression of immune response by FL injection was the most prominent when FL and HBc/w were co-injected at the same time and the same site. These results suggest that FL may inhibit humoral response induced by DNA-type vaccination, and DC locally expanded by FL may not have proper functions for induction of humoral response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / biosynthesis*
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens / analysis
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens / genetics*
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology*
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Kinetics
  • Membrane Proteins / analysis
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Vaccines, DNA / administration & dosage
  • Vaccines, DNA / immunology

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Vaccines, DNA
  • flt3 ligand protein