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Iscom, a delivery system for parenteral and mucosal vaccination
B Morein1, M Villacrés-Eriksson, K Lövgren-Bengtsson
1Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Uppsala, Sweden.
Developments in Biological Standardization
|April 29, 1998
Summary
Immune-stimulating ISCOMs (Immunostimulatory Complexs) offer a safe and effective way to deliver antigens. These nanoparticles enhance immune responses and can be targeted to mucosal tissues for broader protection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nanotechnology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- ISCOMs are 40nm spherical supramolecular structures composed of quillaja triterpenoids, lipids, and antigens.
- A specific formulation, QH 703, is currently undergoing human trials.
- ISCOMs offer advantages over free quillaja components, including reduced local reactions and lower required doses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the benefits and mechanisms of ISCOMs as vaccine delivery systems.
- To explain how ISCOMs enhance both cellular and humoral immune responses.
- To introduce the development of ISCOMs for targeting mucosal immunity.
Main Methods:
- ISCOMs utilize quillaja triterpenoids, lipids, and antigens to form particulate structures.
- Antigen presentation is facilitated through both endosomal and cytosolic pathways.
- ISCOMs stimulate antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to produce key cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, and IL-12.
- TH1-biased immune responses are induced, characterized by increased IL-2 and IFN-gamma production.
Main Results:
- ISCOMs enable higher doses of quillaja components without adverse effects.
- Lower doses of quillaja components and antigens are sufficient for robust immune responses.
- ISCOMs induce MHC class I and class II restricted antigen presentation.
- Intranasal administration of ISCOMs elicits secretory IgA responses in mucosal tissues.
Conclusions:
- ISCOMs represent a potent and safe platform for vaccine development.
- ISCOMs effectively modulate immune responses, promoting TH1 immunity.
- Targeting mucosal immunity via intranasal ISCOM delivery shows promise for broad protection.