ABSTRACT
The possibility of transfecting animal cells in vivo with plasmid DNA encoding antigenic proteins allows the induction of immune responses and the development of a novel method of vaccination. This method, initially called nucleic acid/DNA immunization, has now been employed to elicit protective immunity for viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases in a wide variety of animal models. As infectious diseases have become a major problem in aquaculture, this method may be important for the future development of this industry. This chapter provides a brief account of the current knowledge on the construction of plasmids, methods of administration, safety issues and advantages of DNA vaccines.
