Augmentation of DNA vaccine potency through secretory heat shock protein-mediated antigen targeting.

In an effort to enhance the potency of DNA vaccines, we have developed a new strategy to increase antigen presentation by dendritic cells, one that results in markedly improved cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses, antibody production, and antitumor effects in vivo. Here, we present the rationale and design of a vaccine encoding a secreted antigen-heat shock protein 70 fusion molecule, targeted to the MHC class I cross-presentation pathway of dendritic cells. Using the human papilloma virus 16 E7 protein as a model antigen, we illustrate the preparation of this vaccine and the main experimental procedures used to test such constructs.