Novel anionic microparticles are a potent adjuvant for the induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes against recombinant p55 gag from HIV-1

Microparticles with entrapped antigens have recently been shown to possess significant potential as vaccine delivery systems and adjuvants. However, t he potential of microparticles as adjuvants has been seriously limited by t he common problem of degradation and denaturation of antigens following enc apsulation and release. To overcome these problems, we have developed a nov el way to use microparticles as adjuvants, by the adsorption of proteins on to their surface. Anionic microparticles were prepared through the inclusio n of an anionic detergent, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), in the microparti cle preparation process. The anionic microparticles were capable of the eff icient and reproducible adsorption of recombinant p55 gag protein from HIV- 1. Microparticles with adsorbed p55 were capable of inducing potent cytotox ic T lymphocyte responses in mice following intramuscular immunization. In addition, the microparticles also exhibited a potent adjuvant effect for an tibody induction against p55. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights res erved.