Very small size proteoliposomes derived from Neisseria meningitidis: an effective adjuvant for Th1 induction and dendritic cell activation

Vaccine. 2004 Aug 13;22(23-24):3045-52. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2004.02.010.

Abstract

Recent findings about pathogens and innate immune system interactions have opened new opportunities for adjuvants designs. We have elaborated a new approach, in which gangliosides are incorporated into the outer membrane complex of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) to form very small size proteoliposomes (VSSP). VSSP, used as monotherapy, demonstrated a unique ability to render immunogenic highly tolerated gangliosides. These results drove our attention to the immunopotentiating properties of VSSP. Here, we examined the VSSP adjuvant effect on the humoral and cellular responses, dendritic cell (DC) activation, and differentiation of Th cells. Also, the role of LPS in VSSP effect was dissected. This study reveals that VSSP is a potent adjuvant for dendritic cells activation and Th1 differentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation / drug effects
  • Antibody Formation / immunology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / immunology
  • Cell Division
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Immunization
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Interleukin-12 / biosynthesis
  • Liposomes
  • Lymph Nodes / cytology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C3H
  • Neisseria meningitidis / immunology*
  • Nuclease Protection Assays
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Particle Size
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Liposomes
  • Interleukin-12
  • Ovalbumin