Vaccine formulation potentiated by the combination of a dna and an antigen

Abstract

Formulation of vaccine antigens, containing as main components: a-) one or several DNA expressing one or several proteins in the immunized individuals and b-) a viral antigen, in appropriate proportions. The novelty of the invention is given by the enhancing effect of at least one component on the immune response generated against the other one. Development of new formulations, minimizing the number of components that enhance and diversify the spectrum of immune response against different pathogenic entities and generating combined vaccines against pathogens. These formulations can be applied in the pharmaceutical industry for preventive and-or therapeutic use in human.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A vaccine formulation having as components, a DNA that expresses a protein and a protein antigen, wherein at least one of the components of this formulation acts as adjuvant of the other one.  
     
     
         2 . A vaccine formulation according to  claim 1 , having as components, a DNA that expresses a protein variant that includes regions of the hepatitis C virus E1 antigen, and a viral protein.  
     
     
         3 . A vaccine formulation according to  claim 1 , having as components, a DNA identified by the SEQ ID No. 3, and the hepatitis C virus capsid protein.  
     
     
         4 . A vaccine formulation according to  claim 1 , having as components a DNA identified by the SEQ ID No. 3, and the hepatitis B virus capsid protein.  
     
     
         5 . A vaccine formulation according to having as components a DNA identified by the SEQ ID No. 2 to 4, and the hepatitis B virus surface antigen.  
     
     
         6 . A vaccine formulation according to  claim 1 , employed as a therapeutic and/or preventive agent against the hepatitis C virus.  
     
     
         7 . A vaccine formulation according to  claim 4 , to be employed as a therapeutic and/or preventive agent against the hepatitis B virus.  
     
     
         8 . A vaccine formulation according to  claim 4 , to be employed as a therapeutic and/or preventive agent against both the hepatitis C virus and the hepatitis B virus.  
     
     
         9 . A vaccine formulation according to  claim 2 , having as components, a DNA identified by the SEQ ID No. 3, and the hepatitis C virus capsid protein.  
     
     
         10 . A vaccine formulation according to  claim 2  having as components a DNA identified by the SEQ ID No. 3, and the hepatitis B virus capsid protein.  
     
     
         11 . A vaccine formulation according to  claim 2 , having as components a DNA identified by the SEQ ID No. 2 to 4, and the hepatitis B virus surface antigen.  
     
     
         12 . A vaccine formulation according to  claim 2 , to be employed as a therapeutic and/or preventive agent against the hepatitis C virus.  
     
     
         13 . A vaccine formulation according to  claim 11 , to be employed as a therapeutic and/or preventive agent against the hepatitis B virus.  
     
     
         14 . A vaccine formulation according to  claim 11 , to be employed as a therapeutic and/or preventive agent against both the hepatitis C virus and the hepatitis B virus.