Efficient homologous prime‐boost strategies for T cell vaccination based on virus‐like particles
Schwarz K., Meijerink E., Speiser DE., Tissot AC., Cielens I., Renhof R., Dishlers A., Pumpens P., Bachmann MF.
AbstractInduction of high frequencies of specific T cells by vaccination requires prime‐boost regimens. To reach optimal immune responses, it is necessary to use different vectors for priming and boosting as e.g. DNA vaccination followed by boosting with a recombinant viral vector. Here, we show that vaccines based on virus‐like particles (VLP) displaying peptide epitopes are equally effective to induce CTL responses if used in a homologous or heterologous prime‐boost setting. Strikingly, high frequencies (>20% of CD8+ cells) of protective CTL could be induced and maintained by weekly injection of VLP. Thus, the use of VLP may avoid the requirement for complicated heterologous prime‐boost regimens, facilitating the development of effective T cell‐based vaccines.