A DNA vaccine strategy for effective antibody induction to pathogen-derived antigens

DNA-based vaccines are currently being developed for treating a diversity of human diseases including cancers, autoimmune conditions, allergies, and microbial infections. In this chapter, we present a general protocol that can be used as a starting point for developing DNA vaccines to pathogen-derived antigens, using Neisseria meningitidis as an example. In addition, we describe a fusion gene-based vaccine protocol for increasing the potency of DNA vaccines that are based on poorly immunogenic antigens such as short pathogen-derived polypeptides. Finally, we provide a safe and effective protocol for delivery of DNA vaccines, based on intramuscular injection followed by electroporation.