India’s First Prospective DNA Vaccine Against Dengue

March 2, 2023

In a significant development in DNA vaccination research, India’s first and only DNA vaccine candidate for dengue has shown promising results.
It has been in development since 2019 in National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru.
- Earlier, world’s first DNA vaccine—ZyCoV-D was approved in 2021 for emergency use against COVID-19.
- Globally, DNA vaccines are being developed for diseases like tuberculosis and chikungunya.

About the DNA vaccine

DNA vaccine uses a copy of a genetic sequence from a part (i.e., outer or spike-protein) of a pathogen (virus or bacteria) to stimulate body’s immune system. More specifically, it known as “plasmid DNA vaccine”.
On the other hand, RNA vaccine uses a copy of a natural chemical called messenger RNA (mRNA) to produce an immune response in humans. Delivery of mRNA is achieved by lipid nanoparticles.
DNA vaccine is more stable than RNA vaccine.
Unlike RNA vaccine, DNA vaccines have potential to integrate into host cell genome.
Benefits of DNA vaccine
- Stability and safety: Vaccines are non-infectious; carries no potential toxicity from viral vectors.
- Efficacy and boosting: Stimulate both humoral and cellular arms of adaptive immune system; pose minimal risk of anti-vector immunity.
- Rapid and Scalable manufacturing: Lower cold chain requirements.
Issues: Relatively limited data on safety and efficacy in humans; risk of development of anti-nuclear antibodies; induction of antibiotic resistance.