MUCOSAL IMMUNIZATION VIA M-CELLS FOR PRODUCTION OF PROTECTIVE SECRETORY IGA ANTIBODIES

Transepithelial transport of antigens by M cells in the epithelium ass ociated with lymphoid follicles in the intestine delivers immunogens d irectly to organized mucosal lymphoid tissues, the inductive sites for mucosal immune responses. We have exploited M cell transport to gener ate and characterize specific monoclonal IgA antibodies that can preve nt the interaction of pathogens with epithelial surfaces. The relative protective capacities of specific monoclonal IgA antibodies have been tested in vivo by generation of hybridoma tumors that result in the s ecretion of monoclonal IgA into the intestine. Using this method, we h ave established that the secretion of IgA antibodies recognizing a sin gle surface epitope on enteric pathogens can provide protection agains t colonization or invasion of the intestinal mucosa.