A novel emulsion adjuvant increases the immunogenic responses and protective efficacy of an inactivated influenza vaccine in BALB/c mice

Intervirology. 2009;52(5):252-7. doi: 10.1159/000228927. Epub 2009 Jul 20.

Abstract

Objective: The research of adjuvants is a hot topic in vaccinology. In this paper, we were seeking a concise method to produce a stable and effective emulsion adjuvant.

Methods: A novel emulsion [Well Adjuvant Formulation 3 (WAF3)] was produced by adding additional glycerol and using a timely cooling process. Surface morphology analysis of the novel emulsion was performed by atomic force microscopy. Animal experimentation was used to evaluate the efficacy of the novel adjuvant.

Results: Surface morphology analysis of the novel emulsion showed a homogeneous distribution of the antigen protein. We also confirmed the morphological changes of the WAF3-carrying antigen. The WAF3-adjuvanted vaccine engendered higher antibody responses 128-fold compared to that of a naked antigen. Furthermore, in the presence of the WAF3 adjuvant, the influenza virus antigen was able to reduce the titer disparities of IgG2a and IgG1. The WAF3-adjuvanted influenza vaccine was able to provide full protection and alleviation of infective symptoms as other clinically adjuvanted vaccines.

Conclusion: The WAF3 adjuvant is a promising candidate to be further investigated in the development of emulsion adjuvants.

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage*
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Emulsions / administration & dosage*
  • Emulsions / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / immunology
  • Influenza Vaccines / immunology*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Survival Analysis
  • Vaccines, Inactivated / immunology

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Emulsions
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Inactivated