Needle-free topical electroporation improves gene expression from plasmids administered in porcine skin

Mol Ther. 2003 Dec;8(6):992-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2003.09.008.

Abstract

Electroporation has been shown to increase the potency of DNA vaccines that have demonstrated significant potential in mice. However, there is a need to develop noninvasive or minimally invasive vaccination methods. In pigs, in vivo gene expression was assessed to compare intradermal needle injection to a needle-free dermal BioJect as a means of delivery of plasmids. Each administration method was further tested with and without surface electroporation. Experiments with plasmid DNA encoding luciferase demonstrated that needle-free administration results in higher gene expression levels than needle injection. Electroporation enhanced gene expression for both intradermal delivery methods. Needle-free plasmid injection in combination with electroporation led to a more rapid induction of immune responses compared to other methods of plasmid administration. It was concluded that needle-free topical electroporation significantly enhances gene expression, possibly by improving cellular uptake of plasmid DNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electroporation*
  • Genetic Therapy*
  • Genetic Vectors*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology
  • Plasmids*
  • Skin / metabolism*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Swine / immunology
  • Swine / metabolism

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Vaccines