Intramuscular DNA immunization with in vivo electroporation induces antigen-specific cellular and humoral immune responses in both systemic and gut-mucosal compartments

► We examine the effects of DNA vaccine by electroporation (i.m.). ► DNA vaccine induces antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, and mucosal antigen-specific CD8+ T cells express gut-homing molecule, α4β7 integrin or αE integrin. ► The antigen-specific CD8+ T cells produce multiple cytokines. ► DNA vaccine induces antibody (IgA and IgG) in systemic and gut-mucosal compartment. ► DNA vaccine can induce cellular and humoral immune response in both systemic and gut-mucosal compartments.