Recombinant DNA vaccine encoding multiple domains related to inhibition of neurite outgrowth: a potential strategy for axonal regeneration

Myelin-derived proteins, such as tenascin-R (TN-R), myelin associate glycoprotein (MAG), and Nogo-A, inhibit the CNS regeneration. By targeting specifically the inhibitory epitopes, we have investigated whether vaccination with a recombinant DNA molecule encoding multiple domains of myelin inhibitors may be useful in CNS repair. We show here that the recombinant DNA vaccine is able to activate the immune system but does not induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Lewis rats. Importantly, it promotes axonal regeneration in a spinal cord injury model. Thus, the application of DNA vaccine, encoding multiple specific domains of major inhibitory proteins and/or their receptors, provides another promising approach to overcome the inhibitory barriers during CNS regeneration.