Robert A. Larsen, Kathleen E. Rodgers, W. Martin Kast, Diane Da Silva, Rosa Altomstone, Christopher Meeks, Gere S. diZerga and John M. Leedom
Background: Pre-existing mucosal generated secretory IgA antibodies may prevent transmission of HIV. The present study aimed to characterize mucosal antibodies generated following topical vaccination with a novel mucosal adjuvant, angiotensin (1-7), in combination with a killed feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vaccine used as a model antigen.
Methods: Female outbred cats were vaccinated with Fel-O-Vax FIV vaccine agent combined with increasing concentrations of angiotensin (1-7) [A (1-7)] applied topically to oral, vaginal and rectal surfaces weekly for six weeks. Control animals received intramuscular vaccinations with the Fel-O-Vax FIV alone or with A (1-7). Mucosal secretions were evaluated for antibody responses against FIV-p24 antigen or HIV-gp120 antigen.
Results: Topical application of whole killed FIV virus with A (1-7) induced substantial secretory IgA (SIgA)-antigp120 antibodies in oral, vaginal and rectal secretions across a wide ranges of A (1-7) dose levels. Intramuscular vaccination of FIV antigen with A (1-7) induced high levels of SIgA-anti-gp120 antibodies at vaginal and rectal sites. The topical application vaccination strategy elicited only very weak systemic immune responses.
Conclusion: Angiotensin (1-7) is a potent mucosal vaccine adjuvant.
PDFShare this article
Medical Microbiology & Diagnosis received 14 citations as per Google Scholar report
