The potency of the adjuvant, CpG oligos, is enhanced by encapsulation in PLG microparticles

The objective of this work was to evaluate the potency of the CpG containing oligonucleotide encapsulated within poly(lactide-co-glycolide), and coadministered with antigen adsorbed to poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles (PLG particles). The formulations evaluated include, CpG added in soluble form, CpG adsorbed, and CpG encapsulated. The antigen from Neisseria meningitidis serotype B (Men B) was used in these studies. The immunogenicity of these formulations was evaluated in mice. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles were synthesized by a w/o/w emulsification method in the presence of a charged surfactant for the formulations. Neisseria meningitidis B protein was adsorbed to the PLG microparticles, with binding efficiency and initial release measured. CpG was either added in the soluble or adsorbed or encapsulated form based on the type of formulation. The binding efficiency, loading, integrity and initial release of CpG and the antigen were measured from all the formulations. The formulations were then tested in mice for their ability to elicit antibodies, bactericidal activity and T cell responses. Encapsulating CpG within PLG microparticles induced statistically significant higher antibody, bactericidal activity and T cell responses when compared to the traditional method of delivering CpG in the soluble form.