DNA plasmid vaccine ITI-1001

An off-the-shelf (OTS) plasmid DNA cancer vaccine containing two DNA plasmids, one encoding for the two human cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens immediate-early 1 (IE-1) and the matrix protein pp65 (65 kDa lower matrix phosphoprotein; UL83) fused to the lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1), and one plasmid encoding for the CMV glycoprotein B (gB) antigen which is also fused to LAMP-1, with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities, Upon intramuscular (IM) administration and following electroporation, the DNA plasmid vaccine ITI-1001 is taken up by antigen presenting cells (APCs) and transported via LAMP-1 and the lysosome-mediated pathway. This results in enhanced major histocompatibility (MHC) class II antigen presentation of the three antigens to the immune system, thereby promoting CD4-positive T-cell responses as well as CD8-positive T-cell responses against tumor cells expressing the three viral antigens. IE1, pp65 and gB are expressed in certain tumor types. The incorporation of LAMP-1 routes the CMV antigens into the lysosomal compartment.