Enhanced mucosal and systemic immune responses to Helicobacter pylori antigens through mucosal priming followed by systemic boosting immunizations.

It is estimated that Helicobacter pylori infects the stomachs of over 50% of the world's population and if not treated may cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric B-cell lymphoma. The aim of this study was to enhance the mucosal and systemic immune responses against the H. pylori antigens cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) and neutrophil-activating protein (NAP), through combinations of mucosal and systemic immunizations in female BALB/c mice.

The effect of CTAB concentration in cationic PLG microparticles on DNA adsorption and in vivo performance.

Purpose: Cationic PLG microparticles with adsorbed DNA have previously been shown to efficiently target antigen presenting cells in vivo for generating higher immune responses in comparison to naked DNA. In this study we tried to establish the role of surfactant (CTAB) concentration on the physical behavior of these formulations.

Methods: Cationic PLG microparticle formulations with adsorbed DNA were prepared using a solvent evaporation technique.

A cationic sub-micron emulsion (MF59/DOTAP) is an effective delivery system for DNA vaccines.

A novel cationic emulsion was developed to adsorb plasmid DNA and improve intracellular delivery of plasmid DNA upon immunization. The emulsion developed, had a highly uniform particle and charge distribution. Based on observations with cationic microparticles, the cationic emulsion was evaluated in vivo in mice and rabbits with a model HIV-1 pCMVp55 gag DNA.