A plasmid-based vaccine is provided herein based on the combination of DNA
segments coding for one or more B cell epitopes of CETP and one or more
broad range helper T cell epitopes. Administration of the plasmids as a
vaccine to a vertebrate subject provides an immune response to the
subject's endogenous CETP and modulation of CETP activity, leading to
prevention or reversal of various manifestations of heart disease. The
vaccines provide an advantageous strategy for the prevention or treatment
of atherosclerosis.
