HCV core protein modulates the immune response against the HBV surface antigen in mice

Mucosal vaccination is currently arousing a great deal of interest, since mucosally induced immunity is able to protect not only against microorganisms using mucosa as a door of entry, but also against those parenterally transmitted. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is considered a worldwide health problem and a current vaccine is not available. In the present work, immunogenicity of particulate HCcAg was evaluated, administered alone and also in formulations with the main protective antigen of HBV, the surface antigen (HBsAg), both by mucosal (i.n.) and parenteral (i.m) routes. HCcAg was able to induce strong immune responses after nasal as well as parenteral administration, developing a strong Th1-like antibody response in serum. Preliminary data also suggested the ability of HCcAg to efficiently enhance and modulate the host immune response against HBsAg. These results support the use of the particulate HCcAg in the rational design of candidates for HCV therapeutic or preventive vaccine strategies or inclusively in the development of future combined vaccines.