Priming by DNA Immunization Augments Protective Efficacy of<i>Mycobacterium bovis</i>Bacille Calmette-Guerin against Tuberculosis

Abstract

Sequential immunization with mycobacterial antigen Ag85B-expressing DNA and Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) was more effective than BCG immunization in protecting against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Depletion of the CD8(+) T cells in the immunized mice impaired protection in their spleens, indicating that this improved efficacy was partially mediated by CD8(+) T cells.