Advancing DNA Vaccines: Unlocking Potential, Overcoming Challenges, and Shaping the Future of Immunization

Review Article

Authors

  • Iqra Haider Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi – 74600, Pakistan Author
  • Zufi Shad Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi – 74600, Pakistan Author
  • Uroosa Maqbool Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi – 74600, Pakistan Author
  • Mehwish Nisar Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi – 74600, Pakistan Author
  • Syeda Laraib Adnan Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi – 74600, Pakistan Author
  • Abdul Moiz Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi – 74600, Pakistan Author
  • Muhammad Sarim Shadmani Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi – 74600, Pakistan Author
  • Sheeza Benazeer Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi – 74600, Pakistan Author
  • Ayesha Rafi Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi – 74600, Pakistan Author
  • Amreen Saleem Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi – 74600, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31580/7sccjw74

Keywords:

Chikungunya virus, DNA vaccines, Electroporation, Immunization, Monoclonal antibodies, Pandemic preparedness, Prime-boost strategy, SynCon DNA vaccines, Trypanosoma cruzi

Abstract

DNA vaccines have emerged as a groundbreaking approach in immunization, providing notable benefits such as safety, stability, and rapid production. This review focuses on recent advancements in DNA vaccine technology, particularly in combating infectious diseases like chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Trypanosoma cruzi. Employing innovative delivery methods, such as electroporation, enhances the efficacy of synthetic DNA plasmids encoding monoclonal antibodies (dMAb), resulting in rapid antibody production and effective neutralization of various CHIKV strains. The synergistic combination of dMAb with traditional DNA vaccines demonstrates superior performance, indicating potential for both immediate and long-lasting immunity. Ongoing clinical trials highlight DNA vaccine advancements in oncology and HPV, using novel delivery systems, immunogenic epitopes, and combination therapies to boost therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the DNA-prime/protein-boost vaccination strategy has shown significant long-term T cell responses against T. cruzi, achieving up to 85% vaccine efficacy while substantially reducing parasite burdens over time. This underscores the critical role of prime-boost regimens in fostering robust immune memory. The review also highlights the advantages of DNA vaccines in pandemic preparedness, emphasizing their swift adaptability to emerging pathogens and stability under diverse storage conditions. Notable innovations, such as SynCon DNA vaccines, which maintain efficacy for extended periods, reinforce their viability for deployment during outbreaks. This study emphasizes ongoing research aimed at addressing the challenges faced by DNA vaccines, paving the way for broader applications in both preventive and therapeutic strategies against a wide array of diseases.

Author Biography

  • Zufi Shad, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Hakim Mohammed Said Road, Karachi – 74600, Pakistan

    Lecturer-Pharmaceutics

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Published

2025-03-31

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Review Article

How to Cite

Advancing DNA Vaccines: Unlocking Potential, Overcoming Challenges, and Shaping the Future of Immunization: Review Article. (2025). Pak-Euro Journal of Medical and Life Sciences, 8(1), 143-160. https://doi.org/10.31580/7sccjw74

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