CpG DNA as a vaccine adjuvant

Abstract

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated CpG motifs act as immune adjuvants, accelerating and boosting antigen-specific antibody responses by up to 500-fold. CpG motifs promote the production of T-helper 1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines and induce the maturation/activation of professional antigen-presenting cells (including macrophages and dendritic cells). These effects are optimized by maintaining close physical contact between the CpG DNA and the immunogen. Coadministering CpG DNA with a variety of vaccines has improved protective immunity in animal challenge models. Ongoing clinical studies indicate that CpG oligodeoxynucleotides are safe and well-tolerated when administered as adjuvants to humans and in some cases increase vaccine-induced immune responses.