Dual-Function Adjuvant Cyclosporin A: Enhancing RSV-Specific Humoral Immunity via Treg-Driven B-Cell Activation

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of respiratory illness globally, with limited vaccine options, particularly for infants and high-risk populations. This study investigates Cyclosporin A (CsA), traditionally an immunosuppressant, as a novel adjuvant to enhance RSV-specific immunity.

BALB/c mice were subcutaneously immunized with RSV G protein co-administered with varying Cyclosporin A doses, challenged intranasally with RSV, and analyzed for RSV-specific humoral immunity and mechanistic Treg-dependent B-cell responses.

We demonstrate that co-administration of CsA with the RSV G protein (G+CsA) dose-dependently boosts RSV-specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies, with selective augmentation of IgG1 and IgG2 subclasses. Mechanistically, G+CsA induces regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing CD40L and IL-10, which directly promote B-cell activation, proliferation, and plasma cell differentiation. Depletion of Tregs or neutralization of IL-10/CD40L abrogated antibody production, confirming these pathways as critical mediators. Notably, G+CsA-induced Tregs adopt a helper phenotype distinct from conventional Tregs, balancing immune enhancement and homeostasis.

CsA demonstrates dual adjuvant properties by enhancing RSV-specific neutralizing IgG titers through Treg-driven B-cell activation, offering a potential strategy to optimize vaccine-induced humoral immunity.