Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhances the humoral immune responses of mouse zona pellucida 3 vaccine strategy based on DNA and protein coadministration in BALB/c mice

Reprod Sci. 2013 Apr;20(4):400-7. doi: 10.1177/1933719112459236. Epub 2012 Oct 30.

Abstract

We recently demonstrated that co-administration of mouse zona pellucida 3 (mZP3) DNA and protein vaccine enhanced the contraception of mice by increasing humoral immune responses. In this study, we try to use granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to further improve the humoral immune responses induced by mZP3 DNA and protein co-administration. BALB/c mice were intranasally pre-injected with GM-CSF 4 days before co-administration. Compared to DNA and protein coadministration without GM-CSF, the combination of GM-CSF and coadministration significantly enhances humoral immune responses, especially the level of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in vaginal washes. The enhanced antibody responses are correlated with the upregulated level of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and enhanced maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). Thus, GM-CSF is a potential candidate adjuvant to be used for the development of a safe and effective contraceptive vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Animals
  • Egg Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / administration & dosage*
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / immunology*
  • Immunity, Humoral / drug effects
  • Immunity, Humoral / immunology*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / administration & dosage*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / administration & dosage*
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Vaccines, DNA / administration & dosage*
  • Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins

Substances

  • Egg Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Vaccines, DNA
  • Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor