Fig. 1

Schematic representation of immune responses elicited following DNA vaccination. DNA may be taken up by bystander cells (e.g., muscle cells, keratinocytes) or APCs at the site of immunisation resulting in production of host-synthesised antigens capable of eliciting immune responses via both MHC‐I and MHC‐II pathways. APCs have a central role in the induction of immunity following vaccination, either by direct transfection of the APCs or cross-presentation through bystander cell associated exogenous antigens resulting in presentation of antigen on MHC class-I molecules, eliciting CD8+ T cell expansion. Additionally, exogenous antigens, secreted from bystander cells, captured and processed by APCs are presented via MHC class‐II molecules resulting in CD4+ T cell expansion resulting in a cascade of cellular responses and B cell activation and antibody production