Definition

A therapeutic DNA vaccine encoding the E6/E7 fusion protein of human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes 16 and 18, plus the immune-enhancer, Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 ligand (FLT3L), with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. DNA vaccine GX-188E is administered using a proprietary delivery system that electroporates the vaccine into cervical cells. Expression of the E6/E7 fusion product may elicit a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against cervical cancer cells expressing E6 and E7 oncoproteins, resulting in tumor cell lysis. FLT3L is a ligand for the FLT3 tyrosine kinase receptor, which upon activation stimulates the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. HPV types 16 and 18 are the most common HPV types involved in cervical carcinogenesis.