Oral immunization with HCV-NS3-transformed Salmonella: induction of HCV-specific CTL in a transgenic mouse model.

Abstract Background & Aims: The ability to induce cytotoxic T cells is considered an important feature of a candidate hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine. We used an oral immunization strategy with attenuated HCV-NS3–transformed Salmonella typhimurium to deliver DNA directly to the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Methods: HLA-A2.1 transgenic mice were immunized once with transformed attenuated Salmonella . HCV-specific CD8 + T cells were analyzed in vitro as well as in vivo by challenge of mice with recombinant HCV-NS3 vaccinia virus. Results: Salmonella (10 8 colony-forming units; 20 μg plasmid DNA) induced cytotoxic and IFN-γ–producing CD8 + T cells specific for the immunodominant epitope NS3…