RNA INTERFERENCE THAT BLOCKS EXPRESSION OF PRO-APOPTOTIC PROTEINS POTENTIATES IMMUNITY INDUCED BY DNA AND TRANSFECTED DENDRITIC CELL VACCINES

摘要

An immunotherapeutic strategy is disclosed that combines antigen-encoding DN A vaccine compositions combined with siRNA directed to pro-apoptotic genes, primarily Bak and Bax, the products of which are known to lead to apoptotic death. Gene gun delivery (particle bombardment) of siRNA specific for Bak and/or Bax to antigen-expressing DCs prolongs the lives of such DCs and lead to enhanced generation of antigen-specific CD8+T cell-mediated immune responses in vivo. Similarly, antigen-loaded DC~s transfected with siRNA targeting Bak and/or Bax serve as improved immunogens and tumor immunotherapeutic agents.