DNA VACCINE DEVELOPMENT FOR FISH

Abstract

DNA vaccines might be a new option to help prevent the economic losses caused by infectious fish diseases. It might also reduce the use of the imported antibiotics. The subject of this review is the development of DNA vaccines for fish. The previous successes of DNA vaccines against various diseases in livestock challenge fish immunologists to research and develop such a vaccine for fish. Evidence of success includes proteins expressed inside fish cells, the enhancement of neutralizing antibodies and the ability of immunized fish to survive after exposure to deadly pathogens. However, other issues need to be resolved, such as suitable methods of vaccine administration, optimal dosage, safety and consumer acceptance.
Additional research in these areas are required to develop knowledge that could lead to
effective and practical DNA vaccines for fish.