A dengue DNA vaccine formulated with Vaxfectin® is well tolerated, and elicits strong neutralizing antibody responses to all four dengue serotypes in New Zealand white rabbits

A tetravalent DNA vaccine formulated with Vaxfectin adjuvant was shown to elicit high levels of neutralizing antibody against all four dengue virus serotypes (Porter et al., Vaccine 30: 336, 2011), warranting further testing in humans. In preparation for a phase 1 clinical testing, the vaccine and the adjuvant were manufactured under current good manufacturing practice guidelines. The formulated vaccine and the adjuvant were tested for safety and/or immunogenicity in New Zealand white rabbits using a repeat dose toxicology study. The formulated vaccine and the adjuvant were found to be well tolerated by the animals. Animals injected with formulated vaccine produced strong neutralizing antibody response to all four dengue serotypes.