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[Experimental investigations on oral immunization with tetanus-toxoid (author's transl)]
Abstract:
Model-experiments in mice were used for the investigation of oral immunization with tetanus-toxoid. The efficacy of oral toxoid application was tested by challenge and anti-toxin determination. The oral immunization with tetanus-toxoid induced only a sufficient protection, when toxoid was in intensive contact with the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. Local immunization via gastro-intestinal-tract failed. After a single vaccination with 200 Lf tetanus-toxoid onto mucous membranes of the oral cavity the efficiency index was 75. In comparison, a single subcutaneous application of 2 Lf tetanus-toxoid resulted in an efficiency index of 100 and a single intranasal immunization of 100 Lf in an efficiency index of 93. So the application of toxoid subcutaneously or onto nasal mucous membranes induced higher protection than oral application. Temporary development of immunity after immunization via the mucous membranes of the oral cavity was much better than parenteral immunization. 20 per cent of orally immunized animals were immune 5 days p. vacc. At the same time subcutaneously immunized animals failed to develop any protection. The efficiency rates obtained in challenge correlate with antitoxin content in the serum.
Insights
Oral immunization with tetanus-toxoid in mice showed limited efficacy unless in direct contact with oral mucous membranes. Subcutaneous and intranasal routes provided superior protection against tetanus challenges.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Preclinical Research
Background:
- Tetanus-toxoid immunization is crucial for preventing tetanus.
- Investigating alternative immunization routes, such as oral administration, is of interest for improved vaccine delivery.
- Understanding the interaction between vaccine antigens and mucosal surfaces is key to effective immunization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of oral immunization with tetanus-toxoid in a mouse model.
- To compare the protective immune response induced by oral administration with parenteral (subcutaneous and intranasal) routes.
- To assess the correlation between antibody levels and protection following different immunization strategies.
Main Methods:
- Model-experiments were conducted using mice.
- Oral immunization involved tetanus-toxoid applied to oral mucous membranes or via the gastro-intestinal tract.
- Efficacy was determined through challenge experiments and anti-toxin level measurements.
- Subcutaneous and intranasal immunizations served as comparative controls.
Main Results:
- Oral immunization with tetanus-toxoid induced sufficient protection only when in intensive contact with oral mucous membranes; gastro-intestinal tract immunization failed.
- Subcutaneous administration (2 Lf) yielded an efficiency index of 100, intranasal (100 Lf) 93, and oral (200 Lf) 75.
- Oral immunization led to a more rapid, albeit temporary, development of immunity compared to parenteral routes.
- Immunity levels correlated with serum antitoxin content.
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous and intranasal administration of tetanus-toxoid are more effective in inducing protection than oral application.
- Direct contact of tetanus-toxoid with oral mucous membranes is necessary for any protective effect via the oral route.
- While oral immunization may induce faster temporary immunity, parenteral routes offer more robust and sustained protection.