major histocompatibility complex class II-targeted deoxyribonucleic acid vaccine

The major histocompatibility complex class II-targeted deoxyribonucleic acid vaccine, often referred to as a Vaccibody, is an experimental DNA-based immunotherapy platform designed for the treatment of B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The vaccine utilizes a DNA plasmid that encodes a homodimeric fusion protein consisting of three functional modules: a targeting unit, a dimerization unit, and an antigenic unit. The targeting unit typically comprises a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) specific for MHC class II molecules or a natural ligand such as the chemokine CCL3 (LD78β) to direct the antigen to antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The dimerization unit, derived from human IgG3 hinge and CH3 domains, facilitates the formation of a bivalent protein, while the antigenic unit consists of tumor-specific idiotype (Id) scFv regions. Administered via intradermal injection followed by electroporation, the vaccine induces host cells to secrete fusion proteins that target APCs, thereby enhancing antigen uptake and presentation to elicit potent anti-idiotypic antibody and T-cell responses. This technology was developed by researchers at the University of Oslo and Nykode Therapeutics (formerly Vaccibody AS).

Other names

APC-targeted fusion Id DNA vaccineMHC class II-targeted DNA vaccineidiotype DNA vaccinechemokine-idiotype fusion DNA vaccine