Biodegradable particles as vaccine delivery systems: size matters

AAPS J. 2013 Jan;15(1):85-94. doi: 10.1208/s12248-012-9418-6. Epub 2012 Oct 10.

Abstract

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particles have strong potential as antigen delivery systems. The size of PLGA particles used to vaccinate mice can affect the magnitude of the antigen-specific immune response stimulated. In this study, we fabricated and characterized 17 μm, 7 μm, 1 μm, and 300 nm PLGA particles coloaded with a model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN). PLGA particles demonstrated a size-dependent burst release followed by a more sustained release of encapsulated molecules. PLGA particles that were 300 nm in size showed the highest internalization by, and maximum activation of, dendritic cells. The systemic antigen-specific immune response to vaccination was measured after administration of two intraperitoneal injections, 7 days apart, of 100 μg OVA and 50 μg CpG ODN in C57BL/6 mice. In vivo studies showed that 300 nm sized PLGA particles generated the highest antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses by days 14 and 21. These mice also showed the highest IgG2a:IgG1 ratio of OVA-specific antibodies on day 28. This study suggests that the smaller the PLGA particle used to deliver antigen and adjuvants the stronger the antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell response generated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / classification
  • Lactic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / administration & dosage
  • Ovalbumin / administration & dosage
  • Particle Size
  • Polyglycolic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Vaccines / immunology

Substances

  • CPG-oligonucleotide
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
  • Vaccines
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Ovalbumin