LIPOSOMES AS AN IMMUNOADJUVANT SYSTEM FOR STIMULATION OF MUCOSAL AND SYSTEMIC ANTIBODY-RESPONSES AGAINST INACTIVATED MEASLES-VIRUS ADMINISTERED INTRANASALLY TO MICE

This paper reports on the immune-stimulatory activity of liposomes in an inactivated whole measles virus vaccine preparation administered in tranasally to mice. Liposomes, simply mixed with inactivated whole mea sles virus, significantly stimulated the serum IgG response relative t o the response to the virus alone. In addition, the liposomal vaccine, but not the free virus induced a secretory IgA (s-IgA) response in th e lungs and nasal cavity. Serum IgG and s-IgA responses persisted up t o at least 24 weeks post-immunization. The liposomes induced a moderat e increase in the serum IgG response, but no s-IgA response, following intramuscular immunization. It is concluded that liposomes provide a promising adjuvant system for induction of high systemic as well as mu cosal antibody responses against inactivated measles virus in an intra nasal Or inhalation vaccine formulation.