Methods and apparatus for enhancing a response to nucleic acid vaccines
AssigneePharmasonics, Inc.
InventorsAxel F. Brisken, Robert Zuk
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The immune response achieved by the administration of nucleic acid vaccines is enhanced by the application of vibrational energy to the inoculated tissue region. The vibrational energy is selected to enhance transfection of the tissue without substantial tissue damage, relying on a mechanical effect of the vibrational energy. Additionally, vibrational energy intended to mechanically injure the tissue via a thermal effect may also be applied.
Claims43
A method for enhancing an immune response in an animal, said method comprising:
- introducing nucleic acids encoding one or more immunogens to a target site in tissue;
- and
- applying vibrational energy to the target site under at least two different conditions selected to enhance transfection or to produce an inflammatory response.
A system for enhancing an immune response in an animal, said system comprising:
- means for administering a nucleic acid vaccine to a target site in tissue in the animal;
- means for applying vibrational energy to the target site;
- wherein the vibrational energy applying means produces energy which both enhances transfection and which induces an inflammatory response, and
- a source of nucleic acid vaccine coupleable to the administering means.
A method for enhancing an immune response in an animal, said method comprising:
- introducing nucleic acids encoding one or more immunogens to a target site in tissue;
- and
- applying vibrational energy to the target site under at least one set of conditions selected to enhance transfection and to produce an inflammatory response.
A system for enhancing an immune response in an animal, said system comprising:
- means for administering a nucleic acid vaccine to a target site in tissue in the animal;
- means for applying vibrational energy to the target site, wherein the vibrational energy applying means produces energy under a single set of conditions, which both enhances transfection and which induces an inflammatory response;
- and
- a source of nucleic acid vaccine coupleable to the administering means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.