Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM)

This study aims to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects produced when the DNA plasmids encoding human full length GITRL and TWEAK sequences were used as molecular adjuvants, in combination with HIV-1 DNA vaccine.

The DNA vaccine that was used in this study was HIV-1 Tier 2 DNA (ZM53M.PB12).

Considering the vital roles played by GITRL and TWEAK in controlling and modulating the cellular and immune responses, I hypothesize that GITRL and TWEAK will confer enhanced immunogenicity when used as adjuvants when compared to that produced by the parent DNA vaccine.