DNA Vaccine

A DNA vaccine is a type of vaccine that transfects a specific antigen-coding DNA sequence into the cells of an organism to induce an immune response. It works by injecting a genetically engineered plasmid containing the DNA sequence encoding the antigen against which an immune response is sought, so that the recipient's own cells directly produce the antigen and trigger a protective immune reaction. DNA vaccines have theoretical advantages over conventional vaccines, including the ability to induce a wider range of immune response types, and several have been tested for veterinary use with mixed results in protecting animals from disease. Research continues on the approach for viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases in humans, as well as for cancers, and in August 2021 Indian authorities gave emergency approval to ZyCoV-D, developed by Cadila Healthcare, the first DNA vaccine approved for use in humans.