The adjuvant mechanism of cationic dimethyldioctadecylammonium liposomes

PEGylated cationic liposomes robustly augment vaccine-induced immune responses: Role of lymphatic trafficking and biodistribution

Lymph nodes (LNs) are peripheral lymphoid organs essential for vaccine-induced immune responses. Although cationic liposomes have been documented as a novel adjuvant and vaccine delivery system, whether enhancing LN targeting would improve the efficiency of cationic liposome-formulated vaccines has not been elucidated yet. In the present study we investigated the effect of PEGylation on LN targeting and the immunogenicity of cationic liposome-formulated vaccines. DOTAP cationic liposomes were incorporated with 1 or 5mol% of DSPE-PEG2000 and labeled with near infrared fluorescent dyes. The lymphatic trafficking and biodistribution of different liposomes after subcutaneous (s.c.) injection were recorded using an in-vivo imaging system. The results showed that incorporation of 1mol% DSPE-PEG2000 not only accelerated the drainage of DOTAP liposomes into draining LNs, but also prolonged their LN retention and enhanced liposome uptake by resident antigen-presenting cells. On the other hand, although incorporating 5mol% of DSPE-PEG2000 into DOTAP liposomes enhanced their LN retention and uptake to a lesser extent, it prolonged blood circulation of DOTAP liposomes and increased their splenic accumulation. In addition, PEGylated DOTAP liposomes augmented primary and secondary anti-OVA antibody responses more potently than nonPEGylated DOTAP liposomes did. Hence, incorporating a small amount of DSPE-PEG2000 into DOTAP liposomes not only increased the passive LN targeting of DOTAP-formulated vaccines but also modulated their biodistribution in vivo, which consequently improved the efficiency of cationic liposome-formulated vaccines.

Stable assemblies of cationic bilayer fragments and CpG oligonucleotide with enhanced immunoadjuvant activity in vivo

The cationic lipid dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) and the CpG oligonucleotide (CpG) have been separately used as potent immunoadjuvants driving Th1 responses. Here DODAB bilayer fragments (BF) and CpG (5'-TTGACGTTCG-3') assemblies have their physical properties and immunoadjuvant activity determined using ovalbumin (OVA) as a model antigen. At 0.1 mg/mL OVA, the dependence of DODAB BF/OVA size and zeta-potential on time and [DODAB] establishes 0.1 mM DODAB as suitable for obtaining stable and cationic DODAB BF/OVA assemblies. At 0.1 mM DODAB, 0.1 mg/mL OVA and 0.006 mM CpG, the zeta-potential is zero. At [CpG]>0.006 mM, good colloidal stability for the anionic assemblies is due to charge overcompensation. At 0.020 mM CpG, these DODAB BF/OVA/CpG assemblies are highly effective in vivo generating responses similar to those elicited by the stable and cationic DODAB BF/OVA. The anti-OVA DTH reaction and the secretion of IFN-gamma and IL-12 are 6, 42 and 9 times larger for the DODAB BF/OVA/CpG-immunized mice than the same responses by OVA-immunized mice, respectively. This work shows for the first time that charge of small assemblies is not important to determine the immune response.

CAF01 potentiates immune responses and efficacy of an inactivated influenza vaccine in ferrets

Trivalent inactivated vaccines (TIV) against influenza are given to 350 million people every year. Most of these are non-adjuvanted vaccines whose immunogenicity and protective efficacy are considered suboptimal. Commercially available non-adjuvanted TIV are known to elicit mainly a humoral immune response, whereas the induction of cell-mediated immune responses is negligible. Recently, a cationic liposomal adjuvant (dimethyldioctadecylammonium/trehalose 6,6'-dibehenate, CAF01) was developed. CAF01 has proven to enhance both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to a number of different experimental vaccine candidates. In this study, we compared the immune responses in ferrets to a commercially available TIV with the responses to the same vaccine mixed with the CAF01 adjuvant. Two recently circulating H1N1 viruses were used as challenge to test the vaccine efficacy. CAF01 improved the immunogenicity of the vaccine, with increased influenza-specific IgA and IgG levels. Additionally, CAF01 promoted cellular-mediated immunity as indicated by interferon-gamma expressing lymphocytes, measured by flow cytometry. CAF01 also enhanced the protection conferred by the vaccine by reducing the viral load measured in nasal washes by RT-PCR. Finally, CAF01 allowed for dose-reduction and led to higher levels of protection compared to TIV adjuvanted with a squalene emulsion. The data obtained in this human-relevant challenge model supports the potential of CAF01 in future influenza vaccines.

Cationic liposomes as vaccine adjuvants

The application of cationic liposomes as vaccine delivery systems and adjuvants has been investigated extensively over the last few decades. However, cationic liposomes are, in general, not sufficiently immunostimulatory, which is why the combination of liposomes with immunostimulating ligands has arisen as a strategy in the development of novel adjuvant systems. Within the last 5 years, two novel adjuvant systems based on cationic liposomes incorporating Toll-like receptor or non-Toll-like receptor immunostimulating ligands have progressed from preclinical testing in smaller animal species to clinical testing in humans. The immune responses that these clinical candidates induce are primarily of the Th1 type for which there is a profound unmet need. Furthermore, a number of new cationic liposome-forming surfactants with notable immunostimulatory properties have been discovered. In this article we review the recent progress on the application of cationic liposomes as vaccine delivery systems/adjuvants.

Development and preclinical safety evaluation of a new therapeutic HIV-1 vaccine based on 18 T-cell minimal epitope peptides applying a novel cationic adjuvant CAF01

Therapeutic immunization of HIV-1-infected individuals with or without anti-retroviral therapy is a new promising disease prevention. To induce a new cytotoxic T(CD8) lymphocyte (CTL) immunity during chronic HIV-1 infection 15 infrequently targeted but conserved HLA-supertype binding CTL epitopes from Gag, Pol, Nef, Env, Vpu and Vif were identified. The 15 T(CD8) and three T(CD4) helper peptides were GMP synthesised and formulated with a new adjuvant CAF01 which is a synthetic two-component liposomic adjuvant comprising the quaternary ammonium dimethyl-dioctadecyl-ammonium (DDA) and the immune modulator trehalose 6,6'-dibehenate (TDB). Using IFN-γ ELISPOT assay, T-cell immune induction by the vaccine was found to both CD4 and CD8 T-cell restricted peptides in HLA-A2 transgenic mice. Comprehensive toxicity studies of the CAF01 adjuvant-alone and together with different vaccines showed that CAF01 when tested at human dose levels was safe and well tolerated with only local inflammation at the site of injection and no systemic reactions. No pharmacological safety issues were observed in Beagle dogs. The HIV-1 vaccine toxicity study in the Göttingen Minipig(®) showed no systemic toxicity from five repetitive i.m. injections, each with a 2-week interval, of either the 18 HIV-1 peptide antigen solution (AFO18) or the AFO18-CAF01, in which the 18 HIV-1 peptides were formulated with the CAF01 adjuvant. Distinct inflammatory responses were observed in the injected muscles of the AFO18-CAF01 vaccine treated animals as a result of the immune stimulating effect of the adjuvant on the vaccine. The results of the toxicity studies provide optimism for phase I clinical trials evaluating the therapeutic HIV-1 T-cell vaccination approach using multiple subdominant minimal epitope peptides applying the novel cationic adjuvant CAF01.

Dendritic cells prevent rather than promote immunity conferred by a helicobacter vaccine using a mycobacterial adjuvant

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Immunization against the gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori could prevent many gastric cancers and other disorders. Most vaccination protocols used in preclinical models are not suitable for humans. New adjuvants and a better understanding of the correlates and requirements for vaccine-induced protection are needed to accelerate development of vaccines for H pylori.

METHODS

Vaccine-induced protection against H pylori infection and its local and systemic immunological correlates were assessed in animal models, using cholera toxin or CAF01 as adjuvants. The contribution of B cells, T-helper (Th)-cell subsets, and dendritic cells to H pylori-specific protection were analyzed in mice.

RESULTS

Parenteral administration of a whole-cell sonicate, combined with the mycobacterial cell-wall-derived adjuvant CAF01, protected against infection with H pylori and required cell-mediated, but not humoral, immunity. The vaccine-induced control of H pylori was accompanied by Th1 and Th17 responses in the gastric mucosa and in the gut-draining mesenteric lymph nodes; both Th subsets were required for protective immunity against H pylori. The numbers of memory CD4+ T cells and neutrophils in gastric tissue were identified as the best correlates of protection. Systemic depletion of dendritic cells or regulatory T cells during challenge infection significantly increased protection by overriding immunological tolerance mechanisms activated by live H pylori.

CONCLUSIONS

Parenteral immunization with a Helicobacter vaccine using a novel mycobacterial adjuvant induces protective immunity against H pylori that is mediated by Th1 and Th17 cells. Tolerance mechanisms mediated by dendritic cells and regulatory T cells impair H pylori clearance and must be overcome to improve immunity.

Effect of vesicle size on tissue localization and immunogenicity of liposomal DNA vaccines

The formulation of plasmid DNA (pDNA) in cationic liposomes is a promising strategy to improve the potency of DNA vaccines. In this respect, physicochemical parameters such as liposome size may be important for their efficacy. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of vesicle size on the in vivo performance of liposomal pDNA vaccines after subcutaneous vaccination in mice. The tissue distribution of cationic liposomes of two sizes, 500 nm (PDI 0.6) and 140 nm (PDI 0.15), composed of egg PC, DOPE and DOTAP, with encapsulated OVA-encoding pDNA, was studied by using dual radiolabeled pDNA-liposomes. Their potency to elicit cellular and humoral immune responses was investigated upon application in a homologous and heterologous vaccination schedule with 3 week intervals. It was shown that encapsulation of pDNA into cationic lipsomes resulted in deposition at the site of injection, and strongest retention was observed at large vesicle size. The vaccination studies demonstrated a more robust induction of OVA-specific, functional CD8+ T-cells and higher antibody levels upon vaccination with small monodisperse pDNA-liposomes, as compared to large heterodisperse liposomes or naked pDNA. The introduction of a PEG-coating on the small cationic liposomes resulted in enhanced lymphatic drainage, but immune responses were not improved when compared to non-PEGylated liposomes. In conclusion, it was shown that the physicochemical properties of the liposomes are of crucial importance for their performance as pDNA vaccine carrier, and cationic charge and small size are favorable properties for subcutaneous DNA vaccination.

The role of surface charge density in cationic liposome-promoted dendritic cell maturation and vaccine-induced immune responses

Cationic liposomes have emerged as a novel adjuvant and antigen delivery system to enhance vaccine efficacy. However, the role of surface charge density in cationic liposome-regulated immune responses has not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we prepared a series of DOTAP/DOPC cationic liposomes with different surface densities by incorporating varying amounts of DOPC (a neutral lipid) into DOTAP (a cationic lipid). The results showed that DOTAP/DOPC cationic liposome-regulated immune responses relied on the surface charge density, and might occur through ROS signaling. The liposomes with a relatively high charge density, such as DOTAP/DOPC 5:0 and 4:1 liposomes, potently enhanced dendritic cell maturation, ROS generaion, antigen uptake, as well as the production of OVA-specific IgG2a and IFN-γ. In contrast, low-charge liposomes, such as DOTAP/DOPC 1:4 liposome, failed to promote immune responses even at high concentrations, confirming that the immunoregulatory effect of cationic liposomes is mostly attributable to their surface charge density. Moreover, the DOTAP/DOPC 1:4 liposome suppressed anti-OVA antibody responses in vivo. Overall, maintaining an appropriate surface charge is crucial for optimizing the adjuvant effect of cationic liposomes and enhancing the efficacy of liposome-based vaccines.

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns on biomaterials: a paradigm for engineering new vaccines

Vaccine development has progressed significantly and has moved from whole microorganisms to subunit vaccines that contain only their antigenic proteins. Subunit vaccines are often less immunogenic than whole pathogens; therefore, adjuvants must amplify the immune response, ideally establishing both innate and adaptive immunity. Incorporation of antigens into biomaterials, such as liposomes and polymers, can achieve a desired vaccine response. The physical properties of these platforms can be easily manipulated, thus allowing for controlled delivery of immunostimulatory factors and presentation of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are targeted to specific immune cells. Targeting antigen to immune cells via PAMP-modified biomaterials is a new strategy to control the subsequent development of immunity and, in turn, effective vaccination. Here, we review the recent advances in both immunology and biomaterial engineering that have brought particulate-based vaccines to reality.

Comparison of the depot effect and immunogenicity of liposomes based on dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DDA), 3β-[N-(N',N'-Dimethylaminoethane)carbomyl] cholesterol (DC-Chol), and 1,2-Dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP): prolonged liposome retention mediates stronger Th1 responses

The immunostimulatory capacities of cationic liposomes are well-documented and are attributed both to inherent immunogenicity of the cationic lipid and more physical capacities such as the formation of antigen depots and antigen delivery. Very few studies have however been conducted comparing the immunostimulatory capacities of different cationic lipids. In the present study we therefore chose to investigate three of the most well-known cationic liposome-forming lipids as potential adjuvants for protein subunit vaccines. The ability of 3β-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)carbomyl] cholesterol (DC-Chol), 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP), and dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DDA) liposomes incorporating immunomodulating trehalose dibehenate (TDB) to form an antigen depot at the site of injection (SOI) and to induce immunological recall responses against coadministered tuberculosis vaccine antigen Ag85B-ESAT-6 are reported. Furthermore, physical characterization of the liposomes is presented. Our results suggest that liposome composition plays an important role in vaccine retention at the SOI and the ability to enable the immune system to induce a vaccine specific recall response. While all three cationic liposomes facilitated increased antigen presentation by antigen presenting cells, the monocyte infiltration to the SOI and the production of IFN-γ upon antigen recall was markedly higher for DDA and DC-Chol based liposomes which exhibited a longer retention profile at the SOI. A long-term retention and slow release of liposome and vaccine antigen from the injection site hence appears to favor a stronger Th1 immune response.

Immunity by formulation design: induction of high CD8+ T-cell responses by poly(I:C) incorporated into the CAF01 adjuvant via a double emulsion method

The combination of nucleic acid-based Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 or TLR9 agonists and cationic liposomes constitutes an effective vaccine adjuvant approach for eliciting CD8+ T-cell responses. However, complexing cationic liposomes and oppositely charged oligonucleotides generally results in highly unstable and heterogeneous formulations with limited clinical applicability. The aim of this study was to design, formulate, and carefully characterize a stable CD8-inducing adjuvant based on the TLR3 ligand polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] incorporated into a cationic adjuvant system (CAF01) composed of dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DDA) and trehalose 6,6'-dibehenate (TDB). For this purpose, a modified double emulsion solvent evaporation method was investigated for complexation of high amounts of anionic poly(I:C) to gel-state DDA/TDB liposomes. Addition of a volatile, water-miscible co-solvent (ethanol) to the outer water phase enabled preparation of colloidally stable liposomes, presumably by reducing the poly(I:C)-enhanced rigidity of the lipid bilayer. Cryo-transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the formation of unilamellar as well as multilamellar liposomes, the latter suggesting that poly(I:C) is intercalated between the membrane bilayers in an onion-like structure. Finally, immunization of mice with the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) and DDA/TDB/poly(I:C) liposomes induced a remarkably strong, antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell response, which was maintained for more than two months. Importantly, whereas injection of soluble poly(I:C) led to rapid production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in serum, administration of poly(I:C) in complex with the cationic DDA/TDB liposomes prevented this non-specific systemic pro-inflammatory response. These data emphasize the importance of improving the quality of the vaccine formulation to indeed overcome some of the major obstacles for using CD8-inducing agents such as poly(I:C) in future subunit vaccines.

Incorporation of the TLR4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A into the bilayer of DDA/TDB liposomes: physico-chemical characterization and induction of CD8+ T-cell responses in vivo

PURPOSE

The combination of delivery systems like cationic liposomes and immunopotentiators such as Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands is a promising approach for rational vaccine adjuvant design. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the incorporation of the poorly soluble TLR4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) into cationic liposomes based on dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DDA) and trehalose 6,6'-dibehenate (TDB) influenced the physicochemical and immunological properties of the liposomes.

METHODS

The DDA/TDB/MPL liposomes were characterized with regard to particle size, poly dispersity, surface charge, stability and thermodynamic properties. The adjuvant formulations were tested in vivo in mice using ovalbumin (OVA) as model antigen.

RESULTS

Integration of MPL into the bilayer structure of DDA/TDB liposomes was evident from a decreased phase transition temperature, an improved membrane packing, and a reduction in surface charge. The particle size and favorable liposome storage stability were not affected by MPL. In mice, DDA/TDB/MPL liposomes induced an antigen-specific CD8(+) T-cell response and a humoral response.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhancing the solubility of MPL by inclusion into the bilayer of DDA/TDB liposomes changes the membrane characteristics of the adjuvant system and provides the liposomes with CD8(+) T-cell inducing properties without compromising humoral responses.

Incorporation of a synthetic mycobacterial monomycoloyl glycerol analogue stabilizes dimethyldioctadecylammonium liposomes and potentiates their adjuvant effect in vivo

The combination of delivery systems such as cationic liposomes and immunopotentiating molecules is a promising approach for the rational design of vaccine adjuvants. In this study, a synthetic analogue of the mycobacterial lipid monomycoloyl glycerol (MMG), referred to as MMG-1, was synthesized and combined with the cationic surfactant dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DDA). The purpose of the study was to provide a thorough pharmaceutical characterization of the resulting DDA/MMG-1 binary system and to evaluate how incorporation of MMG-1 affected the adjuvant activity of DDA liposomes. Thermal analyses demonstrated that MMG-1 was incorporated into the DDA lipid bilayers, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that liposomes were formed. The particles had a polydisperse size distribution and an average diameter of approximately 400 nm. Evaluation of the colloidal stability indicated that at least 18 mol% MMG-1 was required to stabilize the DDA liposomes as the average particle size remained constant during storage for 6 months. The improved colloidal stability is most likely caused by increased hydration of the lipid bilayer. This was demonstrated by studying Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers of DDA and MMG-1 which revealed an increased surface pressure in the presence of high concentrations of MMG-1 when the DDA/MMG-1 monolayers were fully compressed, indicating an increased interaction with water due to enhanced hydration of the lipid head groups. Finally, immunization of mice with the tuberculosis fusion antigen Ag85B-ESAT-6 and DDA/MMG-1 liposomes induced a strong cell-mediated immune response characterized by a mixed Th1/Th17 profile and secretion of IgG1 and IgG2c antibodies. The Th1/Th17-biased immunostimulatory effect was increased in an MMG-1 concentration-dependent manner with maximal observed effect at 31 mol% MMG-1. Thus, incorporation of 31 mol% MMG-1 into DDA liposomes results in an adjuvant system with favorable physical as well as immunological properties.

The effects of a novel adjuvant complex/Eimeria profilin vaccine on the intestinal host immune response against live E. acervulina challenge infection

The effects of a novel adjuvant composed of Quil A, cholesterol, dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide, and Carbopol (QCDC) on protective immunity against avian coccidiosis following immunization with an Eimeria recombinant protein were determined. Broiler chickens were subcutaneously immunized with isotonic saline (control), Eimeria recombinant profilin alone, or profilin emulsified with QCDC at 1 and 7 days post-hatch, and orally challenged with live Eimeria acervulina at 7 days following the last immunization. Body weight gains, gut lesion scores, fecal oocyst outputs, profilin serum antibody titers, lymphocyte proliferation, and intestinal cytokine transcript levels were assessed as measures of protective immunity. Chickens immunized with profilin plus QCDC showed increased body weight gains and decreased intestinal lesion scores compared with the profilin only or control groups. However, no differences were found in fecal oocyst shedding among the three groups. Profilin serum antibody titers and antigen-induced peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation in the profilin/QCDC group were higher compared with the profilin only and control groups. Finally, while immunization with profilin alone or profilin plus QCDC uniformly increased the levels of intestinal transcripts encoding all cytokines examined (IL-1β, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17F, and IFN-γ) compared with the control group, transcripts for IL-10 and IL-17F were further increased in the profilin/QCDC group compared with the profilin only group. In summary, this study provides the first evidence of the immunoenhancing activities of QCDC adjuvant in poultry.

Difference in TB10.4 T-cell epitope recognition following immunization with recombinant TB10.4, BCG or infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Most novel vaccines against infectious diseases are based on recombinant Ag; however, only few studies have compared Ag-specific immune responses induced by natural infection with that induced by the same Ag in a recombinant form. Here, we studied the epitope recognition pattern of the tuberculosis vaccine Ag, TB10.4, in a recombinant form, or when expressed by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), or by the current anti-tuberculosis vaccine, Mycobacterium bovis BCG. We showed that BCG and M.tb induced a similar CD4+ T-cell specific TB10.4 epitope-pattern, which differed completely from that induced by recombinant TB10.4. This difference was not due to post-translational modifications of TB10.4 or because TB10.4 is secreted from BCG and M.tb as a complex with Rv0287. In addition, BCG and TB10.4/CAF01 were both taken up by DC and macrophages in vivo, and in vitro uptake experiments revealed that both TB10.4 and BCG were transported to Lamp+-compartments. BCG and TB10.4 however, were directed to different types of Lamp+-compartments in the same APC, which may lead to different epitope recognition patterns. In conclusion, we show that different vectors can induce completely different recognition of the same protein.

RNA vaccines in cancer treatment

The Cancer Report from the World Health Organization states that in the year 2000 12% of all death cases worldwide were caused by cancer. In the western world, the cancer death rates are often devastating, being at about 25%. This fact stresses the urgency to find effective cures against malignant diseases. New approaches in the treatment of cancer focus on the development of immunotherapies to fight the disease. Besides other methods, the usage of tumor-specific RNA as part of vaccines is investigated lately. RNA, administered alone or used for transfection of dendritic cells, shows several advantages as a vaccine including feasibility, applicability, safeness, and effectiveness when it comes to the generation of immune responses. This review concentrates on results from in vitro experiments and recent trials using RNA vaccines to present an overview about this specific strategy.

Biomimetic nanoparticles: preparation, characterization and biomedical applications

Mimicking nature is a powerful approach for developing novel lipid-based devices for drug and vaccine delivery. In this review, biomimetic assemblies based on natural or synthetic lipids by themselves or associated to silica, latex or drug particles will be discussed. In water, self-assembly of lipid molecules into supramolecular structures is fairly well understood. However, their self-assembly on a solid surface or at an interface remains poorly understood. In certain cases, hydrophobic drug granules can be dispersed in aqueous solution via lipid adsorption surrounding the drug particles as nanocapsules. In other instances, hydrophobic drug molecules attach as monomers to borders of lipid bilayer fragments providing drug formulations that are effective in vivo at low drug-to-lipid-molar ratio. Cationic biomimetic particles offer suitable interfacial environment for adsorption, presentation and targeting of biomolecules in vivo. Thereby antigens can effectively be presented by tailored biomimetic particles for development of vaccines over a range of defined and controllable particle sizes. Biomolecular recognition between receptor and ligand can be reconstituted by means of receptor immobilization into supported lipidic bilayers allowing isolation and characterization of signal transduction steps.

Determining adjuvant activity on T-cell function in vivo: Th cells

Adjuvants constitute a critical component in vaccine development in terms of both stimulating and directing immune responses of a suitable profile to promote protection against a diverse range of disease targets. In the past, the field of adjuvant research was mainly dominated by empirical testing and serendipity. However, there is a strong need to develop new generations of adjuvants based on rational design, as well as a requirement to characterise and comprehend their mechanism(s) of action. Adjuvant development can be characterised as an iterative process where potential candidates are repeatedly tested in vitro and in vivo for immunogenicity and optimised in terms of formulation and delivery. Novel lead candidates of adjuvants with a suitable immunological profile relative to specific disease targets are subsequently selected and evaluated in efficacy studies. A central aspect in such a development and selection process is to determine the adjuvant activity on T-cell function in vivo. Expanding our knowledge on these mechanisms will improve our chance of developing new successful vaccines designed to target specific diseases.

A novel liposome-based adjuvant CAF01 for induction of CD8(+) cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) to HIV-1 minimal CTL peptides in HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice

BACKGROUND

Specific cellular cytotoxic immune responses (CTL) are important in combating viral diseases and a highly desirable feature in the development of targeted HIV vaccines. Adjuvants are key components in vaccines and may assist the HIV immunogens in inducing the desired CTL responses. In search for appropriate adjuvants for CD8(+) T cells it is important to measure the necessary immunological features e.g. functional cell killing/lysis in addition to immunological markers that can be monitored by simple immunological laboratory methods.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We tested the ability of a novel two component adjuvant, CAF01, consisting of the immune stimulating synthetic glycolipid TDB (Trehalose-Dibehenate) incorporated into cationic DDA (Dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide) liposomes to induce CD8(+) T-cell restricted cellular immune responses towards subdominant minimal HLA-A0201-restricted CTL epitopes from HIV-1 proteins in HLA-A*0201 transgenic HHD mice. CAF01 has an acceptable safety profile and is used in preclinical development of vaccines against HIV-1, malaria and tuberculosis.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

We found that CAF01 induced cellular immune responses against HIV-1 minimal CTL epitopes in HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice to levels comparable with that of incomplete Freund's adjuvant.

Adjuvants induce distinct immunological phenotypes in a bovine tuberculosis vaccine model

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most important infectious diseases of humans and animals. Mycobacterium bovis BCG, the only currently available TB vaccine, demonstrates variable levels of efficacy; therefore, a replacement or supplement to BCG is required. Protein subunit vaccines have shown promise but require the use of adjuvants to enhance their immunogenicity. Using the protective mycobacterial antigen Rv3019c, we have evaluated the induction of relevant immune responses by adjuvant formulations directly in the target species for bovine TB vaccines and compared these to responses induced by BCG. We demonstrate that two classes of adjuvant induce distinct immune phenotypes in cattle, a fact not previously reported for mice. A water/oil emulsion induced both an effector cell and a central memory response. A cationic-liposome adjuvant induced a central memory response alone, similar to that induced by BCG. This suggests that water/oil emulsions may be the most promising formulations. These results demonstrate the importance of testing adjuvant formulations directly in the target species and the necessity of measuring different types of immune response when evaluating immune responses.

T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 adjuvants induce distinct differences in the magnitude, quality and kinetics of the early inflammatory response at the site of injection

Vaccine adjuvants activate the innate immune system and thus influence subsequent adaptive T-cell responses. However, little is known about the initial immune mechanisms preceding the adjuvant-induced differentiation of T-helper (Th) cells. The effect of a T-helper 1 (Th1) adjuvant, dimethyldioctadecylammonium liposomes with monophosphoryl lipid-A (DDA/MPL), and a T-helper 2 adjuvant, aluminium hydroxide [Al(OH)(3)], on early, innate chemotactic signals and inflammatory cell influx at the site of injection was therefore investigated. Injection of the adjuvants into the peritoneal cavity of mice demonstrated distinct differences in the magnitude, quality and kinetics of the response. The inflammatory response to DDA/MPL was prominent, inducing high local levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and a pronounced inflammatory exudate consisting of neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages and activated natural killer cells. This was in contrast to the response induced by Al(OH)(3), which, although sharing some of the early chemokine signals, was more moderate and consisted almost exclusively of neutrophils and eosinophils. Notably, Al(OH)(3) specifically induced the release of a significant amount of interleukin (IL)-5, whereas DDA/MPL induced high amounts of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-1alpha and IL-6. Finally, a microarray analysis confirmed that the effect of DDA/MPL was broader with more than five times as many genes being specifically up-regulated after injection of DDA/MPL compared with Al(OH)(3). Thus, the adjuvants induced qualitatively distinct local inflammatory signals early after injection.

A liposome-based mycobacterial vaccine induces potent adult and neonatal multifunctional T cells through the exquisite targeting of dendritic cells

BACKGROUND

In the search for more potent and safer tuberculosis vaccines, CAF01 was identified as a remarkable formulation. Based on cationic liposomes and including a synthetic mycobacterial glycolipid as TLR-independent immunomodulator, it induces strong and protective T helper-1 and T helper-17 adult murine responses to Ag85B-ESAT-6, a major mycobacterial fusion protein. Here, we assessed whether these properties extend to early life and how CAF01 mediates its adjuvant properties in vivo.

METHODS/FINDINGS

Following adult or neonatal murine immunization, Ag85B-ESAT-6/CAF01 similarly reduced the post-challenge bacterial growth of M. bovis BCG, whereas no protection was observed using Alum as control. This protection was mediated by the induction of similarly strong Th1 and Th17 responses in both age groups. Multifunctional Th1 cells were already elicited after a single vaccine dose and persisted at high levels for at least 6 months even after neonatal priming. Unexpectedly, this potent adjuvanticity was not mediated by a massive targeting/activation of dendritic cells: in contrast, very few DCs in the draining lymph nodes were bearing the labeled antigen/adjuvant. The increased expression of the CD40 and CD86 activation markers was restricted to the minute portion of adjuvant-bearing DCs. However, vaccine-associated activated DCs were recovered several days after immunization.

CONCLUSION

The potent adult and neonatal adjuvanticity of CAF01 is associated in vivo with an exquisite but prolonged DC uptake and activation, fulfilling the preclinical requirements for novel tuberculosis vaccines to be used in early life.

Novel Chlamydia muridarum T cell antigens induce protective immunity against lung and genital tract infection in murine models

Using a combination of affinity chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, we recently identified 8 MHC class II (I-A(b)) -bound Chlamydia peptides eluted from dendritic cells (DCs) infected with Chlamydia muridarum. In this study we cloned and purified the source proteins that contained each of these peptides and determined that three of the eight peptide/protein Ags were immunodominant (PmpG-1, RplF, and PmpE/F-2) as identified by IFN-gamma ELISPOT assay using splenocytes from C57BL/6 mice recovered from C. muridarum infection. To evaluate whether the three immunodominant Chlamydia protein Ags were also able to protect mice against Chlamydia infection in vivo, we adoptively transferred LPS-matured DCs transfected ex vivo with the cationic liposome DOTAP (N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium methyl-sulfate) and individual PmpG-1(25-500aa), RplF, or PmpE/F-2 (25-575 aa) proteins. The results showed that the transfected Chlamydia proteins were efficiently delivered intracellularly into DCs. Mice vaccinated with DCs transfected with individual Chlamydia protein PmpG-1(25-500), RplF, or PmpE/F-2(25-575) exhibited significant resistance to challenge infection as indicated by reduction in the median Chlamydia inclusion forming units in both the lung and genital tract models. The major outer membrane protein was used as a reference Ag but conferred significant protection only in the genital tract model. Overall, vaccination with DCs transfected with PmpG-1(25-500) exhibited the greatest degree of protective immunity among the four Chlamydia Ags tested. This study demonstrates that T cell peptide Ags identified by immunoproteomics can be successfully exploited as T cell protein-based subunit vaccines and that PmpG-1(25-500) protein may be a suitable vaccine candidate for further evaluation.

Effect of chain length on physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity of cationic vesicles composed of phosphatidylcholines and dialkyldimethylammonium bromides

This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics of cationic vesicles that were prepared from two phosphatidylcholines and three dialkyldimethylammonium bromides (DXDAB) with differing in dialkyl chain lengths, ranging from 2-C(14) to 2-C(18), by measuring particle size and zeta potential. The dependence of particle size, zeta potential and short-storage stability of mixed phosphatidylcholine/DXDAB vesicles on the chain length and composition were also elucidated. Transmission electron microscopy analysis verified that vesicles were formed as a phosphatidylcholine film to which DXDAB was added in a phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.4). Furthermore, the toxicity to the human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC25) cells that were incubated with these vesicles, evaluated by a cell viability assay, increased with the percentage of DXDAB that was incorporated and was inversely proportional to the chain length of DXDAB. The morphological features (round shape, chromatin condensation and apoptosis bodies) and results of flow cytometry analysis (increased sub-G(1) fraction) confirmed the induction of apoptosis in HaCaT and SCC25 cells by cationic vesicles. Apoptosis caused by cationic vesicles without the addition of any drugs was observed for the first time in HaCaT and SCC25 cells. The results of this investigation suggest that cytotoxicity is related to the zeta potential of the cationic vesicles.

Evaluation of immune responses and protective efficacy in a goat model following immunization with a coctail of recombinant antigens and a polyprotein of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

The protective efficacy of four recombinant antigens (85A, 85B, superoxide dismutase [SOD], and a fusion polypeptide [Map74F]) of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) along with the adjuvant dimethydioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA) was assessed in a goat challenge model. Animals were immunized with the four antigens with adjuvant DDA (Group I, eight goat kids) or without the adjuvant (Group II, eight goat kids) or adjuvant only (Group III, nine goat kids). Animals were boostered 3 weeks after the primary vaccination and challenged 3 weeks after the booster. Significant antigen-specific lymphoproliferation was observed in the immunized animals 3 weeks after the booster immunization. This response increased further at 4 weeks after the booster. Similarly, antigen-specific IFN-gamma responses increased in the immunized animals 3 weeks after the booster. The response was significantly higher for 85A and Map74F at 10 weeks after primary vaccination (APV) in Group I animals compared to the other two groups. CD4+ T-cell populations were higher in the vaccinated animals from 6 to 10 weeks APV than those of the control animals. A significant increase in recombinant antigen-specific IFN-gamma gene expression was detected in the vaccinated animals. At necropsy (38 weeks APV), our multicomponent subunit vaccine imparted a significant protection in terms of reduction of MAP burden in target organs as compared to sham-immunized goats. This study indicates that our multicomponent subunit vaccine induced a good Th1 response and conferred protection against MAP infection in a goat challenge model.

Cationic liposomes formulated with synthetic mycobacterial cordfactor (CAF01): a versatile adjuvant for vaccines with different immunological requirements

BACKGROUND

It is now emerging that for vaccines against a range of diseases including influenza, malaria and HIV, the induction of a humoral response is insufficient and a substantial complementary cell-mediated immune response is necessary for adequate protection. Furthermore, for some diseases such as tuberculosis, a cellular response seems to be the sole effector mechanism required for protection. The development of new adjuvants capable of inducing highly complex immune responses with strong antigen-specific T-cell responses in addition to antibodies is therefore urgently needed.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Herein, we describe a cationic adjuvant formulation (CAF01) consisting of DDA as a delivery vehicle and synthetic mycobacterial cordfactor as immunomodulator. CAF01 primes strong and complex immune responses and using ovalbumin as a model vaccine antigen in mice, antigen specific cell-mediated- and humoral responses were obtained at a level clearly above a range of currently used adjuvants (Aluminium, monophosphoryl lipid A, CFA/IFA, Montanide). This response occurs through Toll-like receptor 2, 3, 4 and 7-independent pathways whereas the response is partly reduced in MyD88-deficient mice. In three animal models of diseases with markedly different immunological requirement; Mycobacterium tuberculosis (cell-mediated), Chlamydia trachomatis (cell-mediated/humoral) and malaria (humoral) immunization with CAF01-based vaccines elicited significant protective immunity against challenge.

CONCLUSION

CAF01 is potentially a suitable adjuvant for a wide range of diseases including targets requiring both CMI and humoral immune responses for protection.

Protective anti-mycobacterial T cell responses through exquisite in vivo activation of vaccine-targeted dendritic cells

Vaccine efficacy largely depends upon DC targeting and activation. The most potent TLR soluble ligands induce diffuse DC activation, which may be associated with marked pro-inflammatory responses and possibly adverse effects. This raises the concern that effective vaccine adjuvants may similarly rely on widespread DC activation. Using a promising candidate vaccine against tuberculosis (fusion protein of Ag85B and 6-kDa early secretory antigenic target (ESAT-6)) formulated in the potent IC31 adjuvant, DC targeting and activation was studied in vivo, following the fate of antigen and adjuvant in the draining lymph nodes, to define the magnitude of DC targeting/activation required in vivo to induce protective vaccine responses. Unexpectedly, protective IFN-gamma-mediated Ag85B-ESAT-6/IC31 responses were associated to the activation of a minute population (less than 0.3%) of CD11c(+) lymph node DC, without detectable systemic pro-inflammatory responses. This activated peripheral tissue-derived DC population, characterized by enhanced CD80, CD86, CD40 and IL-12p40 expression, was only identified when focusing on adjuvant- or antigen-labeled CD11c(+) DC, which were found to support T cell proliferation. Immunization with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant (Alum) resulted in a similar proportion of antigen-associated DC but without detectable enhancement of CD80, CD86, CD40 or IL-12p40 expression. Thus, potent protective IFN-gamma-producing responses may be elicited by the exquisite activation of a minute number of in vivo targeted DC.

Cationic liposomal lipids: from gene carriers to cell signaling

Cationic lipids are positively charged amphiphilic molecules which, for most of them, form positively charged liposomes, sometimes in combination with a neutral helper lipid. Such liposomes are mainly used as efficient DNA, RNA or protein carriers for gene therapy or immunization trials. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in the understanding of the cellular pathways and mechanisms involved in lipoplex-mediated gene transfection but the interaction of cationic lipids with cell components and the consequences of such an interaction on cell physiology remains poorly described. The data reported in the present review provide evidence that cationic lipids are not just carriers for molecular delivery into cells but do modify cellular pathways and stimulate immune or anti-inflammatory responses. Considering the wide number of cationic lipids currently available and the variety of cellular components that could be involved, it is likely that only a few cationic lipid-dependent functions have been identified so far.

Liposome-nucleic acid immunotherapeutics

Cationic liposome-nucleic acid complexes, which were originally developed for use as non-viral gene delivery vectors, may now have an equally important application as immunotherapeutic drugs. Recent studies have highlighted the ability of cationic liposomes to potently activate the innate immune system when used to deliver certain Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. The immune-enhancing properties of cationic liposomes have been most clearly demonstrated when combined with nucleic acid agonists for endosomally located TLRs, including TLR3, TLR7/8 and TLR9. Immune potentiation by cationic liposomes likely results from the combined effects of endosomal targeting, protection of nucleic acids from extracellular degradation, and from signaling via newly identified cytoplasmic receptors for nucleic acids. The potent innate immune stimulatory properties of liposome-nucleic acid complexes make them particularly attractive as non-specific immunotherapeutics and as vaccine adjuvants. Liposome-nucleic acid complexes have demonstrated impressive anticancer activity in a number of different animal tumor models. Moreover, liposome-nucleic acid complexes have also been shown to be effective for immunotherapy of acute viral and bacterial infections, as well as chronic fungal infections. When used as vaccine adjuvants, liposome-nucleic acid complexes target antigens for efficient uptake by dendritic cells and are particularly effective in eliciting CD8(+) T-cell responses to protein antigens. Thus, liposome-nucleic acid complexes form a potent and versatile immunotherapeutic platform.

Cationic liposomes as vaccine adjuvants

Cationic liposomes are lipid-bilayer vesicles with a positive surface charge that have re-emerged as a promising new adjuvant technology. Although there is some evidence that cationic liposomes themselves can improve the immune response against coadministered vaccine antigens, their main functions are to protect the antigens from clearance in the body and deliver the antigens to professional antigen-presenting cells. In addition, cationic liposomes can be used to introduce immunomodulators to enhance and modulate the immune response in a desirable direction and, thereby, represent an efficient tool when designing tailor-made adjuvants for specific disease targets. In this article we review the recent progress on cationic liposomes as vehicles, enhancing the effect of immunomodulators and the presentation of vaccine antigens.