Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2410042 | Vaccine | 2006 | 9 Pages |
Although replication-competent adenovirus (Ad) vectors are promising in AIDS vaccine design, their safety in immune compromised hosts is unknown. To initially address this question, enteric-coated tablets containing a replicating Ad vector were orally administered to SHIV- and SIV-infected rhesus macaques with normal, intermediate or low CD4 T cell counts and stable disease. The vector was detected within a week after tablet administration in stools of all animals but not in nasal secretions, indicating no spread of virus to the upper respiratory tract. CD4 T cell counts and viral loads remained stable in all animals and no signs of fever, weight loss, or other clinical symptoms of Ad-induced disease were observed during 10 weeks of follow-up. Oral delivery of the replicating Ad vector was safe and well tolerated by SHIV- and SIV-infected hosts. Oral enteric-coated tablets may prove safe for administering replicating Ad-vectored vaccines in areas with high HIV prevalence.