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Polymeric Caffeic Acid Acts as a Nasal Vaccine Formulation against Streptococcus pneumoniae Infections in Mice
Rui Tada1, Hidehiko Suzuki2, Miki Ogasawara1
1Department of Drug Delivery and Molecular Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
Abstract:
Infectious diseases are the second leading cause of death worldwide, highlighting the importance of the development of a novel and improved strategy for fighting pathogenic microbes. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a highly pathogenic bacteria that causes pneumonia with high mortality rates, especially in children and elderly individuals. To solve these issues, a mucosal vaccine system would be the best solution for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. We have recently reported that enzymatically polymerized caffeic acid (pCA) acts as a mucosal adjuvant when co-administered with antigenic proteins via the nasal route. Moreover, the sources of caffeic acid and horseradish peroxidase are ingredients found commonly in coffee beans and horseradish, respectively. In this study, we aimed to develop a pneumococcal nasal vaccine comprising pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) and pCA as the mucosal adjuvant. Intranasal immunization with PspA and pCA induced the production of PspA-specific antibody responses in the mucosal and systemic compartments. Furthermore, the protective effects were tested in a murine model of S. pneumoniae infection. Intranasal vaccination conferred antigen-dependent protective immunity against a lethal infection of S. pneumoniae. In conclusion, pCA is useful as a serotype-independent universal nasal pneumococcal vaccine formulation.
Insights
A novel nasal vaccine using polymerized caffeic acid (pCA) as an adjuvant effectively protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. This universal vaccine formulation shows promise for preventing pneumococcal pneumonia in both mucosal and systemic immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Infectious diseases are a leading global cause of death, necessitating improved strategies against pathogens.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia with high mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Mucosal vaccine systems offer a promising approach for disease prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a pneumococcal nasal vaccine utilizing pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) and polymerized caffeic acid (pCA) as a mucosal adjuvant.
- To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the PspA-pCA nasal vaccine in a murine model.
Main Methods:
- Enzymatically polymerized caffeic acid (pCA) was used as a mucosal adjuvant.
- Intranasal immunization was performed with PspA and pCA in a murine model.
- Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA)-specific antibody responses were measured systemically and mucosally.
- Protective immunity was assessed against a lethal Streptococcus pneumoniae challenge.
Main Results:
- Intranasal administration of PspA with pCA successfully induced PspA-specific antibody responses.
- The vaccine elicited both mucosal and systemic immunity.
- Vaccination conferred significant, antigen-dependent protection against lethal pneumococcal infection in mice.
Conclusions:
- Polymerized caffeic acid (pCA) functions as an effective mucosal adjuvant for nasal vaccine delivery.
- The developed PspA-pCA nasal vaccine provides protective immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- pCA represents a valuable component for a universal, serotype-independent pneumococcal nasal vaccine formulation.
