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Oral immunization with influenza virus in biodegradable microspheres
Z Moldoveanu1, M Novak, W Q Huang
1Secretech, Inc., Controlled Release Division, Birmingham, AL 35205.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Biodegradable polymeric microspheres effectively deliver influenza virus antigen for immunization. Oral delivery of microencapsulated antigen in primed mice induced strong antibody responses and provided significant protection against live influenza virus challenge.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Influenza virus poses a significant global health threat, necessitating effective vaccination strategies.
- Oral antigen delivery systems offer potential advantages over traditional parenteral immunization, including ease of administration and reduced invasiveness.
- Biodegradable polymeric microspheres are being explored as a promising platform for oral vaccine delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate polymeric microspheres as an oral antigen delivery system for influenza virus immunization.
- To compare immune responses elicited by oral versus systemic administration of microencapsulated influenza antigen.
- To assess the protective efficacy of microencapsulated influenza antigen delivered orally.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were immunized systemically or orally with formalin-inactivated influenza virus (A/H3N2) encapsulated in biodegradable microspheres or as a free antigen solution.
- Humoral immune responses, including serum and salivary antibody titers, were measured.
- Animals were challenged with live influenza virus to assess protective immunity.
Main Results:
- The immunogenicity of formalin-inactivated influenza virus was maintained after microencapsulation.
- Systemic immunization with microencapsulated antigen elicited immune responses comparable or superior to conventional vaccine.
- Oral administration to primed animals resulted in higher salivary and comparable serum anti-influenza antibody levels.
- Oral booster immunization conferred nearly complete protection against live virus challenge.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable polymeric microspheres are a viable and effective system for oral delivery of influenza virus antigen.
- Microencapsulated influenza antigen can induce protective systemic and mucosal immunity.
- Oral booster immunization with microencapsulated antigen provides substantial protection against live influenza virus infection.