Needle-free delivery of veterinary DNA vaccines

Abstract

Currently, there are a number of obstacles barring effective immunization of large animal species with DNA-based vaccines. Generally, large concentrations of DNA and multiple doses are required before an effective immune response is detected. To overcome these impediments we have developed approaches to deliver the plasmids via needle-free methods, which have been shown to be more effective than traditional needle and syringe methods. Furthermore, we will describe the delivery of vaccines to mucosal surfaces. The procedures described will use sheep and cattle as model veterinary species.