Impaired immunogenicity of immunostimulating complexes (iscoms) by administration in slow-release formulations

This study was performed to explore the possible benefits of formulations and administration regimens that allow a protracted release of iscoms from the injection site. Three forms of slow release of immunostimulating complexes (iscoms) were therefore tested; encapsulation in sodium alginate gel, emulsification in Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) or pulsed-release mimicked by weekly administrations. The administration of iscoms in a depot (alginate or FIA) or in pulses resulted in an antibody response of similar magnitude to that of a traditional two-dose scheme. The character of the immune response was on the other hand affected, i.e. the proportion of specific IgG2a and the IFN-gamma production was decreased by a protracted or repeated release of iscoms, either by a depot or by weekly administrations.