Hybrid biosynthetic gene therapy vector development and dual engineering capacity

Vaccination is a powerful means of preempting or treating disease. The process depends on successful recognition of a foreign entity (an antigen) to elicit a strong immune response. The delivery of an antigen encoded as a DNA molecule (a genetic antigen) requires the assistance of a vector to facilitate the process of gene expression within immune system sentinels termed antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In this study, two normally distinct vectors (a bacterial cell and a synthetic polymer) were combined to generate a hybrid vector. The new vector coupled synergistic mechanisms to assist and improve gene delivery to APCs. Furthermore, the hybrid vector provides unique and complimentary engineering capabilities that were demonstrated to tailor and improve APC gene delivery further.