CCL2 DNA vaccine to treat renal disease

CCL2 DNA vaccines are directed against the host chemoattractant molecule CCL2 (MCP-1), a key chemokine in recruiting macrophages to sites of inflammation. Macrophages recruited by CCL2 lead to progressive renal injury. In rat models of disease unmodified CCL2 DNA vaccine in combination with a CCL5 (RANTES) DNA vaccine can protect against chronic renal disease. The mechanism of protection involves the induction of auto-antibodies to the CCL2. Introduction of the adjuvant p-tet into the DNA structure of the CCL2 vaccine leads to enhanced potency with the induction of specific Th1 cellular immunity. The strategies outlined here demonstrate a model for developing potent vaccines against highly restricted self targets. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.