Immunogenicity of dengue virus type 1 DNA vaccines expressing truncated and full length envelope protein

Recombinant plasmid DNA constructs expressing truncated or full-length dengue-1 envelope (E) with or without the pre-membrane (prM) were tested for immunogenicity in mice, as candidate dengue DNA vaccines. Two plasmids, one expressing the N-terminal 80% E and the other expressing prM and full length E were immunogenic in intradermally inoculated mice. The vaccinated mice produced dengue-1 specific antibodies that were both neutralizing and long lasting. Data suggested that the plasmid expressing prM and full length E produced virus like particles in transfected cells, and is probably a better immunogen compared to that expressing 80% E. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.