A Brief Review on Dna Vaccines in the Era of COVID-19
Maryam Shafaati, Massoud Saidijam, Meysam Soleimani, Fereshte Hazrati, Rasoul Mirzaei, Bagher Amirheidari, Hamid Tanzadehpanah, Sajad Karampoor, Sima Kazemi, Bahram Yavari, Hanie Mahaki, Mohsen Safaei, Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh, Pouria Samadi, Yaghoub Ahmadyousefi
Abstract
This article provides a brief overview of DNA vaccines. First, the basic DNA vaccine design strategies are described, then specific issues related to the industrial production of DNA vaccines are discussed, including the production and purification of DNA products such as plasmid DNA, minicircle DNA, minimalistic, immunologically defined gene expression (MIDGE) and Doggybone™. The use of adjuvants to enhance the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines is then discussed. In addition, different delivery routes and several physical and chemical methods to increase the efficacy of DNA delivery into cells are explained. Recent preclinical and clinical trials of DNA vaccines for COVID-19 are then summarized. Lastly, the advantages and obstacles of DNA vaccines are discussed.