Intranasal immunization with protein-linked phosphorylcholine protects mice against a lethal intranasal challenge with streptococcus pneumoniae

Vaccine. 2000 Jul 1;18(26):2991-8. doi: 10.1016/s0264-410x(00)00089-x.

Abstract

Immunization against phosphorylcholine (PC) linked to a protein protects mice against Streptococcus pneumoniae when used parenterally, and against Salmonella typhimurium when used orally after entrapment in D,L-Lactide-co-Glycolide microspheres. Here, we immunized BALB/c mice intranasally with a serotype 3 S. pneumoniae strain. Immunization was followed by a rise in anti-PC IgA and IgG titers in serum and in pulmonary secretions, but not by any rise in anti ds-DNA antibody nor any glomerular Ig deposition. The survival rates were 91 and 76% in the two groups of mice, respectively. These rates were significantly higher than those in control mice immunized intranasally either with Thyr loaded in microspheres (0%), blank microspheres (22%), free Thyr (17%), and saline (18%). This demonstrates that the mucosal route is effective for vaccination against S. pneumoniae pneumonia with PC linked to a protein carrier. It constitutes another important step forward in the development of the concept that PC can be used as a mucosal immunogen for protection against the different diseases caused by PC-bearing bacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Immunity, Mucosal
  • Immunization
  • Immunoglobulin A / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Lung / microbiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Phosphorylcholine / administration & dosage
  • Phosphorylcholine / immunology*
  • Pneumococcal Infections / mortality
  • Pneumococcal Infections / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Phosphorylcholine