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Determination of Tolerable Fatty Acids and Cholera Toxin Concentrations Using Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells and BALB/c Mouse Macrophages
Published on: May 30, 2013
Transcutaneous immunization with cholera toxin protects mice against lethal mucosal toxin challenge
G M Glenn1, T Scharton-Kersten, R Vassell
1Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC 20307-5100, USA. gglenn@iomai.com
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|October 6, 1998
Summary
Transcutaneous immunization using cholera toxin (CT) induces a robust systemic antibody response and protects mice against lethal mucosal CT challenge. This method offers a promising strategy for developing clinically relevant immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Cholera toxin (CT) can induce systemic antibody (Ab) responses when applied to the skin.
- Transcutaneous immunization (TI) is a potential route for vaccine delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the systemic immune response and protective efficacy following transcutaneous immunization with CT.
- To characterize the antibody subclasses induced by TI with CT.
Main Methods:
- Application of CT to the skin of mice to induce transcutaneous immunization.
- Analysis of serum, lung washes, and stool samples for antibody responses.
- Intranasal challenge with a lethal dose of CT to assess protection.
Main Results:
- Transcutaneous immunization with CT induced systemic IgG and IgA antibodies.
- A broad spectrum of IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3) was detected in sera.
- Immunized mice showed significant protection against lethal intranasal CT challenge.
Conclusions:
- Transcutaneous immunization with CT elicits a comprehensive systemic antibody response.
- This approach confers significant protection against mucosal challenge.
- Transcutaneous immunization is a viable strategy for achieving clinically relevant immunity to mucosal toxins.

