Dissolving polymeric microneedle arrays formulated to contain recombinant CN54 HIVgp140 and the TLR4 agonist adjuvant MPLA were assessed for their ability to elicit antigen-specific immunity. Using this novel microneedle system we successfully primed antigen-specific responses that were further boosted by an intranasal mucosal inoculation to elicit significant antigen-specific immunity. This prime-boost modality generated similar serum and mucosal gp140-specific IgG levels to the adjuvanted and systemic subcutaneous inoculations. While the microneedle primed groups demonstrated a balanced Th1/Th2 profile, strong Th2 polarization was observed in the subcutaneous inoculation group, likely due to the high level of IL-5 secretion from cells in this group. Significantly, the animals that received a microneedle prime and intranasal boost regimen elicited a high level IgA response in both the serum and mucosa, which was greatly enhanced over the subcutaneous group. The splenocytes from this inoculation group secreted moderate levels of IL-5 and IL-10 as well as high amounts of IL-2, cytokines known to act in synergy to induce IgA. This work opens up the possibility for microneedle-based HIV vaccination strategies that, once fully developed, will greatly reduce risk for vaccinators and patients, with those in the developing world set to benefit most.

The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of blank chitosan nanoparticles on various molecular markers such as nitric oxide (NO) production, IL-6 gene expression, and lymphocyte proliferation involved in the wound healing process. In addition, the membrane effects of chitosan nanoparticles were evaluated using phospholipid vesicles as a model membrane. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were treated with blank chitosan nanoparticles, and the effect on NO production, IL-6 gene expression, and lymphocyte proliferation was evaluated. It was observed that IL-6 gene expression was not induced at any of the doses used; however, a statistically significant dose-dependent increase in NO production was observed at doses above 68.18 microg/mL equivalent to chitosan. Furthermore, chitosan nanoparticles showed a statistically significant and dose-dependent lymphocyte proliferation as compared to the control (P < 0.05). It was observed that blank chitosan nanoparticles resulted in strong membrane perturbation when evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry studies. The in vivo effects of the blank chitosan nanoparticles were evaluated using a wound healing model. Blank chitosan nanoparticles showed significantly higher NO production in vivo as compared to the control. Overall, the study clearly indicates the immunoactivating nature of chitosan nanoparticles and their strong membrane interactive potential.

No abstract

The generation of effective levels of antigen-specific immunity at the mucosal sites of pathogen entry is a key goal for vaccinologists. We explored topical vaginal application as an approach to initiate local antigen-specific immunity, enhance previously existing systemic immunity or re-target responses to the mucosae. To deliver a protein vaccine formulation to the vaginal mucosal surface, we used a novel vaginal ring device comprising a silicone elastomer body into which three freeze-dried, rod-shaped, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose inserts were incorporated. Each rod contained recombinant HIV-1 CN54gp140 protein (167 μg) ± R848 (167 μg) adjuvant. The inserts were loaded into cavities within each ring such that only the ends of the inserts were initially exposed.Sheep received a prime-boost vaccination regime comprising intramuscular injection of 100 μg CN54gp140 + 200 μg R848 followed by three successive ring applications of one week duration and separated by one month intervals. Other sheep received only the ring devices without intramuscular priming. Serum and vaginal mucosal fluids were sampled every two weeks and analysed by CN54gp140 ELISA and antigen-specific B cells were measured by flow cytometry at necropsy. Vaccine antigen-specific serum antibody responses were detected in both the intramuscularly-primed and vaginal mucosally-primed groups. Those animals that received only vaginal vaccinations had identical IgG but superior IgA responses. Analysis revealed that all animals exhibited mucosal antigen-specific IgG and IgA with the IgA responses 30-fold greater than systemic levels. Importantly, very high numbers of antigen-specific B cells were detected in local genital draining lymph nodes.We have elicited local genital antigen-specific immune responses after topical application of an adjuvanted antigen formulation within a novel vaginal ring vaccine release device. This regimen and delivery method elicited high levels of antigen-specific mucosal IgA and large numbers of local antigen-reactive B cells, both likely essential for effective mucosal protection.

Polymyxin B is a decapeptide, mainly used for the treatment of gram-negative bacteremia. It was anticipated that a prolongation of release may lead to a more efficacious therapy. Lipid nanoparticles and nanoemulsion were formulated and comparatively evaluated for their properties. Lipid nanoparticles of Polymyxin B Sulphate with a mean particle size of 186.9 nm (Polydispersity Index 0.235) were prepared by nano-precipitation technique and nanoemulsion was prepared under the conditions of spontaneous formation with a mean globule size 125.0 nm (Polydispersity Index 0.291). The lipid nanoparticles were screened for lipid load from 0.1-1% along with 1-10% surfactant while in the optimization of nanoemulsion different ratios of oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant were evaluated. The developed systems were taken up for comparative anti-microbial study against a sensitive strain of E. coil using Turbidimetry as the method for monitoring the growth of microorganisms in a time dependent manner. Results of the study using ANOVA revealed an initial comparable activity with no statistical difference between the free drug, lipid nanoparticles, and the nanoemulsion. The anti-microbial effect was significantly sustained by lipid nanoparticles over a period of 18 hr but could not be sustained in case of nanoemulsion after 12 hr. Further, in order to assess anti-microbial activity of the developed delivery templates, a similar study was carried out using the lipid nanoparticles and nanoemulsion without the incorporation of drug. The results showed only a mild anti-microbial action for drug-free lipid nanoparticles but significant activity was exerted by drug-free nanoemulsion against plain drug throughout the study. It was concluded that the developed lipid nanoparticles and nanoemulsion are promising delivery vectors for the anti-microbial drugs. Further, lipid nanoparticles could give an initial as well as sustained effect while the nanoemulsion was capable of exerting potent effect for a shorter period of time.