Evaluation of adjuvants for a candidate conjugate vaccine against benzo[a]pyrene

We have recently developed an experimental vaccine based on benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) conjugated to tetanus toxoid as a carrier protein. In combination with Freund adjuvant, this vaccine induces high levels of B[a]P-specific antibodies to protect against detrimental effects of this carcinogen. Here we evaluate this conjugate vaccine by replacing Freund adjuvant by adjuvants that are potentially compatible with their use in humans. We showed that all adjuvants tested induced specific antibodies against B[a]P and 7,8-diol-B[a]P, its carcinogenic metabolite. The best antibody levels were obtained with Quil A, MF-59 and Alum. Biological activity in terms of enhanced retention of B[a]P was confirmed in mice immunised with Quil A, Montanide, Alum and MF-59. Our findings demonstrate that a vaccination against B[a]P is feasible in combination with adjuvants licensed in humans.