Targeting polymerised liposome vaccine carriers to intestinal M cells

Due to their transcytotic capability, intestinal M cells may represent an e fficient potential route for oral vaccine delivery. We previously demonstra ted that the lectin War europaeus agglutinin 1 (UEA1, specific for alpha -1 -fucose residues) selectively binds to mouse Peyer's patch M cells and targ ets 0.5 Rm polystyrene microparticles to these cells. Using a gut loop mode l we now demonstrate that covalent] v-membrane-bound UEA1 similarly targets polymerised liposomes (Orasomes (TM), approximately 200nm diameter), poten tial biocompatable oral vaccine delivery vehicles, to mouse M cells. Target ing was inhibited by alpha -1-fucose while the co-entrapped adjuvant, monop hosphoryl Lipid A (MPL(R)), failed to exert any detrimental effect on UEA1- mediated M cell targeting. Lectin-mediated M cell targeting may thus permit the efficacy of mucosal vaccines to be enhanced if cellular relationship b etween particle binding and immune outcome can be established. (C) 2001 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.