Poly-ϵ-caprolactone/chitosan nanoparticles provide strong adjuvant effect for hepatitis B antigen

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Nanotechnology
• Vaccine Development

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
• Effective vaccines are crucial for preventing HBV transmission.
• Developing novel adjuvants can enhance vaccine efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the adjuvant properties of poly-ϵ-caprolactone/chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
• To assess the immune response induced by HBsAg and HBsAg-encoding plasmid DNA (pRC/CMV-HBs) delivered via NPs.

Main Methods:

• HBsAg was adsorbed onto preformed poly-ϵ-caprolactone/chitosan NPs.
• Vaccination studies were conducted in C57BL/6 mice.
• Transfection efficiency was assessed in A549 cell line.

Main Results:

• HBsAg-adsorbed NPs induced strong anti-HBsAg IgG titers (primarily IgG1) and stimulated antigen-specific IFN-γ and IL-17 secretion from spleen cells.
• Co-administration of pRC/CMV-HBs with HBsAg-adsorbed NPs modulated cytokine secretion.
• NPs loaded with pRC/CMV-HBs elicited a weak antibody response.

Conclusions:

• Poly-ϵ-caprolactone/chitosan NPs demonstrate a potent humoral adjuvant effect for HBsAg.
• These NPs induce Th1/Th17-mediated cellular immune responses.
• The findings highlight the potential of these NPs for hepatitis B virus vaccination strategies.