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Published on: April 29, 2015
Aqueous-based microcapsules are detected primarily in gut-associated dendritic cells after oral inoculation of mice
E A Lomotan1, K A Brown, T J Speaker
1Section of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract:
We previously found that aqueous-based microencapsulation enhanced virus-specific humoral immune responses after oral inoculation of mice. However, the mechanism by which microencapsulation enhances immunogenicity remains unclear. We found that spermine-alginate microcapsules were detected primarily in gut-associated dendritic cells (i.e. CD11c/CD18+, Ia+, CD11b-, CD45R-) after oral inoculation of adult mice. Microencapsulation may enhance immunogenicity by involving antigen presenting cells which are more efficient than those recruited during natural infection.
Insights
Microencapsulation enhances oral vaccine immunity by targeting immune cells in the gut. Spermine-alginate microcapsules are found in specific dendritic cells, suggesting a mechanism for improved immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Aqueous-based microencapsulation previously enhanced oral virus-specific humoral immune responses in mice.
- The underlying mechanism for this enhanced immunogenicity remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism by which microencapsulation enhances immunogenicity after oral inoculation.
- To identify the immune cells involved in the enhanced response.
Main Methods:
- Oral inoculation of adult mice with spermine-alginate microcapsules.
- Detection and characterization of microcapsules within immune cells in gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
Main Results:
- Spermine-alginate microcapsules were primarily detected in gut-associated dendritic cells (CD11c/CD18+, Ia+, CD11b-, CD45R-).
- These findings suggest a role for antigen-presenting cells in the enhanced immunogenicity.
Conclusions:
- Microencapsulation may enhance immunogenicity by engaging more efficient antigen-presenting cells compared to natural infection.
- This study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms of microencapsulation-mediated vaccine enhancement.
