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Published on: May 6, 2020
Evaluation of ISCOMs for immunization against hepatitis B
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar (M.P.), India.
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
|September 16, 2009
Summary
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) incorporated into immune stimulating complexes (ISCOMs) enhanced both cellular and humoral immune responses in mice. These rHBsAg ISCOMs demonstrated superior immunogenicity compared to traditional alum-adjuvanted vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hepatitis B remains a significant global health concern, necessitating effective vaccine strategies.
- Recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg) is a key component in current vaccines.
- Immune stimulating complexes (ISCOMs) are known for their adjuvant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize ISCOMs containing rHBsAg for enhanced immunization.
- To evaluate the immunogenicity and immune response profiles of rHBsAg ISCOMs.
- To compare the efficacy of rHBsAg ISCOMs with conventional alum-adjuvanted rHBsAg.
Main Methods:
- ISCOMs with rHBsAg were prepared and characterized using techniques like TEM, DLS, SDS-PAGE, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
- In vitro potency and in vivo immunogenicity studies were conducted in Balb/c mice.
- Humoral (IgG subtypes) and cellular (cytokine production) immune responses were assessed.
Main Results:
- rHBsAg ISCOMs exhibited characteristic cage-like morphology (approx. 44 nm) with good antigen incorporation efficiency (approx. 39%).
- Antigen association led to minor conformational changes in rHBsAg, affecting antibody binding affinity.
- Immunization with rHBsAg ISCOMs induced robust cellular (IFN-gamma, IL-2) and IgG2a-biased humoral responses, significantly higher than alum-adjuvanted rHBsAg.
Conclusions:
- rHBsAg ISCOMs are highly immunogenic via subcutaneous administration, outperforming current formulations.
- Despite moderate conformational changes, the strong adjuvant effect of ISCOMs enhances immune stimulation.
- rHBsAg ISCOMs represent a promising platform for developing more effective hepatitis B vaccines.
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