Intranasal immunization with recombinant antigens associated with new cationic particles induces strong mucosal as well as systemic antibody and CTL responses

Abstract New cationic nanoparticles (SMBV™) were evaluated for use as a nasal vaccine delivery system for two recombinant proteins: HBsAg and β-galactosidase. Each protein was formulated with SMBV™ and intranasally administrated to non-anesthetized mice. In each model, the formulated protein induced high levels of specific serum IgG antibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Moreover, specific IgA antibodies were found in nasal as well as in vaginal washes of intranasally immunized mice with the protein associated with SMBV™. In contrast, no IgG or IgA antibodies and no CTL were detected in mice immunized with free protein. The detection of a CTL response and an increase in both IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies in serum suggest that SMBV™ amplifies both Th1 and Th2 responses without modifying the Th1/Th2 profile of the immune response induced by the natural protein. These data demonstrate the high potential of SMBV™ for use as a nasal delivery system for sub-unit vaccines.