Induction of cellular immunity to a mycobacterial antigen adsorbed on lamellar particles of lactide polymers

Microspheres prepared from synthetic, biodegradable poly (L-lactide) [PLA] and copolymers of lactide and glycolide such as poly (DL lactide co-glycoli de) [PLG] have been widely investigated for controlled delivery of encapsul ated vaccine antigens. In this study we describe novel lamellar micropartic les produced from PLA to which protein antigens can be adsorbed. These part icles when administered to mice, induced strong Th1-type T cell responses t o the adsorbed 38 kDa protein antigen from M. tuberculosis characterised by high levels of Interferon-gamma. In addition to proteins, we were also abl e to adsorb synthetic peptides resulting in specific T cell proliferation. Induction of strong cellular immunity together with the versatility of anti gen adsorption to these particles should make such lamellae a useful tool t o deliver protective antigens from intracellular pathogens. (C) 1999 Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.