ELISPOT analysis of a new CTL based DNA vaccine for HIV-1 using GM-CSF in DNA prime/peptide boost strategy: GM-CSF induced long-lived memory responses

► GM-CSF improved cellular and humoral immune response against a new HIV-1 DNA vaccine. ► GM-CSF increased proliferation, antibody and cytokine responses against HIV-1 DNA vaccine. ► GM-CSF induced long-lived cellular and humoral immune responses against this HIV-1 DNA vaccine. ► GM-CSF was not efficient to induce CTL activity against HIV-1 P24-Nef DNA vaccine. ► This is an evidence of GM-CSF potency in inducing long term memory responses.