Immunoglobulin A-deficient mice exhibit altered T helper 1-type immune responses but retain mucosal immunity to influenza virus

A Glycolipidated-liposomal peptide vaccine confers long-term mucosal protection against Streptococcus pyogenes via IL-17, macrophages and neutrophils

Mucosally active subunit vaccines are an unmet clinical need due to lack of licensed immunostimulants suitable for vaccine antigens. Here, we show that intranasal administration of liposomes incorporating: the Streptococcus pyogenes peptide antigen, J8; diphtheria toxoid as a source of T cell help; and the immunostimulatory glycolipid, 3D(6-acyl) PHAD (PHAD), is able to induce long-lived humoral and cellular immunity. Mice genetically deficient in either mucosal antibodies or total antibodies are protected against S. pyogenes respiratory tract infection. Utilizing IL-17-deficient mice or depleting cellular subsets using antibodies, shows that the cellular responses encompassing, CD4+ T cells, IL-17, macrophages and neutrophils have important functions in vaccine-mediated mucosal immunity. Overall, these data demonstrate the utility of a mucosal vaccine platform to deliver multi-pronged protective responses against a highly virulent pathogen.

IgA-producing B cells in lung homeostasis and disease

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundant Ig in mucosae where it plays key roles in host defense against pathogens and in mucosal immunoregulation. Whereas intense research has established the different roles of secretory IgA in the gut, its function has been much less studied in the lung. This review will first summarize the state-of-the-art knowledge on the distribution and phenotype of IgA⁺ B cells in the human lung in both homeostasis and disease. Second, it will analyze the studies looking at cellular and molecular mechanisms of homing and priming of IgA⁺ B cells in the lung, notably following immunization. Lastly, published data on observations related to IgA and IgA⁺ B cells in lung and airway disease such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or chronic rhinosinusitis, will be discussed. Collectively it provides the state-of-the-art of our current understanding of the biology of IgA-producing cells in the airways and identifies gaps that future research should address in order to improve mucosal protection against lung infections and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Development of a Nanoparticle Multiepitope DNA Vaccine against Virulent Infectious Bronchitis Virus Challenge

To develop a safe and effective nanoparticle (NP) multiepitope DNA vaccine for controlling infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infection, we inserted the multiepitope gene expression box SBNT into a eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+) to construct a recombinant plasmid pcDNA/SBNT. The NP multiepitope DNA vaccine pcDNA/SBNT-NPs were prepared using chitosan to encapsulate the recombinant plasmid pcDNA/SBNT, with a high encapsulation efficiency of 94.90 ± 1.35%. These spherical pcDNA/SBNT-NPs were 140.9 ± 73.2 nm in diameter, with a mean ζ potential of +16.8 ± 4.3 mV. Our results showed that the chitosan NPs not only protected the plasmid DNA from DNase degradation but also mediated gene transfection in a slow-release manner. Immunization with pcDNA/SBNT-NPs induced a significant IBV-specific immune response and partially protected chickens against homologous IBV challenge. Therefore, the chitosan NPs could be a useful gene delivery system, and NP multiepitope DNA vaccines may be a potential alternative for use in the development of a novel, safe, and effective IBV vaccine.

Oral Immunization of Chickens With Recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum Vaccine Against Early ALV-J Infection

In this study, a novel oral vaccine of recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) containing the gp85 protein was explored, and the effects of this vaccine on the prevention of subgroup J Avian Leukosis Virus (ALV-J) infection were assessed. In the current study, the gp85 protein of ALV-J was expressed on the surface of L. plantarum with the surface-display motif, pgsA, by constructing a shuttle vector pMG36e:pgsA:gp85. Surface localization of the fusion protein was verified by western blotting and flow cytometry. Subsequently, Specific Pathogen Free Hy-Line Brown layer chickens were orally vaccinated with the recombinant L. plantarum and presented with high levels of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) titers in bile and duodenal-mucosal fluid. After challenged with ALV-J of a 3 × 10³ 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50), serum samples of the chickens were collected and viremia was analyzed. Results showed that, compared to the L. plantarum and PBS control group, the recombinant L. plantarum group showed a significant rise in antibody levels after inoculation, and provide improved protection against ALV-J according to viremia detection. These results indicate that oral immunization with the recombinant L. plantarum provided an effective means for eliciting protective immune response against early ALV-J infection.

Cross-Protective Potential and Protection-Relevant Immune Mechanisms of Whole Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccines Are Determined by Adjuvants and Route of Immunization

Adjuvanted whole inactivated virus (WIV) influenza vaccines show promise as broadly protective influenza vaccine candidates. Using WIV as basis we assessed the relative efficacy of different adjuvants by carrying out a head-to-head comparison of the liposome-based adjuvants CAF01 and CAF09 and the protein-based adjuvants CTA1-DD and CTA1-3M2e-DD and evaluated whether one or more of the adjuvants could induce broadly protective immunity. Mice were immunized with WIV prepared from A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) virus intramuscularly with or without CAF01 or intranasally with or without CAF09, CTA1-DD, or CTA1-3M2e-DD, followed by challenge with homologous, heterologous or heterosubtypic virus. In general, intranasal immunizations were significantly more effective than intramuscular immunizations in inducing virus-specific serum-IgG, mucosal-IgA, and splenic IFNγ-producing CD4 T cells. Intranasal immunizations with adjuvanted vaccines afforded strong cross-protection with milder clinical symptoms and better control of virus load in lungs. Mechanistic studies indicated that non-neutralizing IgG antibodies and CD4 T cells were responsible for the improved cross-protection while IgA antibodies were dispensable. The role of CD4 T cells was particularly pronounced for CTA1-3M2e-DD adjuvanted vaccine as evidenced by CD4 T cell-dependent reduction of lung virus titers and clinical symptoms. Thus, intranasally administered WIV in combination with effective mucosal adjuvants appears to be a promising broadly protective influenza vaccine candidate.

Reference gene selection for gene expression study in shell gland and spleen of laying hens challenged with infectious bronchitis virus

Ten reference genes were investigated for normalisation of candidate target gene expression data in the shell gland and spleen of laying hens challenged with two strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Data were analysed with geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper, and a comprehensive ranking (geomean) was calculated. In the combined data set of IBV challenged shell gland samples, the comprehensive ranking showed TATA-box binding protein (TBP) and tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta (YWHAZ) as the two most stable, and succinate dehydrogenase complex flavoprotein subunit A (SDHA) and albumin (ALB) as the two least stable reference genes. In the spleen, and in the combined data set of the shell gland and spleen, the two most stable and the two least stable reference genes were TBP and YWHAZ, and ribosomal protein L4 (RPL4) and ALB, respectively. Different ranking has been due to different algorithms. Validation studies showed that the use of the two most stable reference genes produced accurate and more robust gene expression data. The two most and least stable reference genes obtained in the study, were further used for candidate target gene expression data normalisation of the shell gland and spleen under an IBV infection model.

Oral immunisation with Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen polysaccharide adjuvant with recombinant Lactococcus lactis-expressing Proteus mirabilis ompA confers optimal protection in mice

BACKGROUND

Proteus mirabilis poses a critical burden on the breeding industry, but no efficient vaccine is available for animals.

METHOD

A recombinant Lactococcus lactis expressing the ompA of P. mirabilis was used to develop a vaccine. The mucosal and systemic immune responses of the recombinant vaccine were evaluated in mice after oral immunisation. The inhibition on P. mirabilis colonisation of vaccines was also determined. Moreover, Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen polysaccharides (TPPPS) were used as adjuvants to examine the immunomodulatory effects.

RESULTS

The pure recombinant L. lactis vaccine significantly induced the production of specific IgA and IgG, IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, and T lymphocyte proliferation, and the immunised mice exhibited significant resistance to P. mirabilis colonisation. Notably, the TPPPS adjuvant vaccines induced higher levels of immune responses than the pure L. lactis.

CONCLUSIONS

The L. lactis as a vaccine vehicle combined with TPPPS adjuvant provides a feasible method for preventing P. mirabilis infection.

Preliminary study of an oral vaccine against infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus using improved yeast surface display technology

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is a common pathogen that causes severe disease in the salmonid aquaculture industry. Because oral vaccines induce more efficient mucosal immunity than parenteral immunization, an oral vaccine was developed with an improved yeast cell surface display technology to induce an immune response to IHNV. The oral yeast vaccine, designated EBY100/pYD1-bi-G, was delivered orally to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on days 1 and 32, and the nonspecific and specific immune responses were measured 50days after the first vaccination. In the hindgut, spleen, and head kidney, the expression of IFN-1 and Mx-1 was significantly upregulated after oral vaccination with EBY100/pYD1-bi-G, and the highest expression of IFN-1 and Mx-1 was observed in the spleen (7.5-fold higher than the control group) and head kidney (3.9-fold higher than the control group), respectively. Several markers of the adaptive immune response (IgM, IgT, CD4, and CD8) were also significantly upregulated, and the highest expression of these markers was observed in the hindgut, suggesting that the mucosal immune response was successfully induced by oral vaccination with EBY100/pYD1-bi-G. Sera from the orally vaccinated rainbow trout showed higher anti-IHNV neutralizing antibody titers (antibody titer 81±4) than the control sera (antibody titer 7±3), and the relative percentage survival after IHNV challenge was 45.8% compared with 2% in the control group. Although the protection afforded by this orally delivered vaccine was lower than that of a DNA vaccine (83%-98%), it is a promising candidate vaccine with which to protect larval fish against IHNV, which are most susceptible to the virus and difficult to inject with a DNA vaccine.

Immunological Outcomes of Antibody Binding to Glycans Shared between Microorganisms and Mammals

Glycans constitute basic cellular components of living organisms across biological kingdoms, and glycan-binding Abs participate in many cellular interactions during immune defense against pathogenic organisms. Glycan epitopes are expressed as carbohydrate-only entities or as oligomers or polymers on proteins and lipids. Such epitopes on glycoproteins may be formed by posttranslational modifications or neoepitopes resulting from metabolic-catabolic processes and can be altered during inflammation. Pathogenic organisms can display host-like glycans to evade the host immune response. However, Abs to glycans, shared between microorganisms and the host, exist naturally. These Abs are able to not only protect against infectious disease, but also are involved in host housekeeping functions and can suppress allergic disease. Despite the reactivity of these Abs to glycans shared between microorganisms and host, diverse tolerance-inducing mechanisms permit the B cell precursors of these Ab-secreting cells to exist within the normal B cell repertoire.

Restoration of Retarded Influenza Virus-specific Immunoglobulin Class Switch in Aged Mice

Objective

The declined immune response to infection causes significant higher morbidity and mortality in aging in spite of the coexisted hyperimmunoglobulinemia (HIG). This study is to reveal the cellular basis of HIG and mechanism of weakened HA-specific IgG response in aged mice and to test cell therapy in the treatment of age-related IgG antibody production deficiency with immunocyte adoptive transfer.

Methods

BALB/c mice was immunized with Influenza A/Taiwan vaccine and challenged with the same strain of virus. ELISA was used to assess the levels of total immunoglobulins and antigen specific antibody response. The flow cytometry and ELISPOT were used to evaluate the frequencies of total immunoglobulin- and specific antibody-producing and secreting B lymphocytes. In vitro expanded mononuclear cells, CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD20+ B lymphocytes from old and young mice were adoptively transferred into influenza virus-challenged aged mice, and HA-specific IgG responses were observed.

Results

It is found that old mice exhibited higher levels of total serum IgG, IgM and IgA, higher frequencies of IgG+, IgM+ and IgA+ cells, and greater antigen-specific IgM and IgA responses to influenza infection, in comparison to young mice. However, influenza antigen- specific IgG and its subclass responses in old mice were significantly lower.

Conclusion

The retarded specific IgG response could be attributed to an insufficiency of immunoglobulin class switch in aging. Correlation analysis indicated that HIG and deficient specific IgG production in aged mice could be independent to each other in their pathogenesis. Correction of deficient specific IgG production by adoptive transfer of in vitro expanded and unexpanded CD4+ cells from immunized young mice suggests the CD4+ cell dysfunction contributes to the insufficiency of immunoglobulin class switch in aged mice. The transfusion of in vitro expanded lymphocytes could be a potential effective therapy for the age-related immunodeficiency and could play a role in the infection prevention in aging.

Oral delivery of probiotic expressing M cell homing peptide conjugated BmpB vaccine encapsulated into alginate/chitosan/alginate microcapsules

Oral administration of live probiotics as antigen delivery vectors is a promising approach in vaccine development. However, the low survival of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract limits this approach. Therefore, the aim of this study was the encapsulation of probiotic expressing vaccine into alginate/chitosan/alginate (ACA) microcapsules (MCs) for efficient oral vaccine delivery. Here, recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum 25 (LP25) expressing M cell homing peptide fused BmpB protein was used as a model probiotic. The viability of LP25 in ACA MCs was more than 65% in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 2.0) and 75% in simulated small intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.2) up to 2h. Encapsulated LP25 was completely released from ACA MCs in SIF within 12h. When stored at room temperature (RT) or 4°C, the viability of LP25 in ACA MCs was higher than free LP25. Interestingly, the viability of LP25 in ACA MCs at 4°C for 5weeks was above 58%, whereas viability of free LP25 stored at RT up to 5weeks was zero. After 4weeks from the first immunization, LP25-M-BmpB-loaded ACA MCs induced a stronger BmpB-specific IgG and IgA production in mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that encapsulation of probiotic by ACA MCs is a promising delivery system for oral administration of probiotic expressing vaccine.

Cofactor independent phosphoglycerate mutase of Brugia malayi induces a mixed Th1/Th2 type immune response and inhibits larval development in the host

Lymphatic filariasis is a major debilitating disease, endemic in 72 countries putting more than 1.39 billion people at risk and 120 million are already infected. Despite the significant progress in chemotherapeutic advancements, there is still need for other measures like development of an effective vaccine or discovery of novel drug targets. In this study, structural and immunological characterization of independent phosphoglycerate mutase of filarial parasite Brugia malayi was carried out. Protein was found to be expressed in all major parasite life stages and as an excretory secretory product of adult parasites. Bm-iPGM also reacted to all the categories of human bancroftian patient's sera including endemic normals. In vivo immunological behaviour of protein was determined in immunized BALB/c mice followed by prophylactic analysis in BALB/c mice and Mastomys coucha. Immunization with Bm-iPGM led to generation of a mixed Th1/Th2 type immune response offering 58.2% protection against larval challenge in BALB/c and 65–68% protection in M. coucha. In vitro studies confirmed participation of anti-Bm-iPGM antibodies in killing of B. malayi infective larvae and microfilariae through ADCC mechanism. The present findings reveal potential immunoprotective nature of Bm-iPGM advocating its worth as an antifilarial vaccine candidate.

High-dose dietary zinc oxide mitigates infection with transmissible gastroenteritis virus in piglets

BACKGROUND

Zinc (Zn) supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of diarrhea and to protect animals from intestinal diseases, but the mechanisms of this protective effect against virus infection in vivo have not yet been elucidated. Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) causes diarrhea in piglets with an age-dependent decrease of severity.

RESULTS

We used 60 weaned piglets that were divided into three groups to evaluate the effect of different Zn levels added to a conventional diet (50 mg Zn/kg diet, Znlow, control group). The other groups received the diet supplemented with ZnO at final concentrations of 150 mg Zn/kg diet (Znmed), or 2,500 mg/kg diet (Znhigh). Oral challenge infection with TGEV was performed when the pigs had been fed for 1 week with the respective diet. Half of the piglets of each group were sacrificed at day 1 and 18 after challenge infection. Fecal consistency was improved and body weights increased in the Znhigh group when compared to the other groups, but no direct effect of Zn concentrations in the diet on fecal TGEV shedding and mucosal immune responses was detectable. However, in the Znhigh group, we found a prevention of villus atrophy and decreased caspase-3-mediated apoptosis of jejunal epithelium. Furthermore, pigs receiving high Zn diet showed a down-regulation of interferon (IFN)-α, oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS), Zn transporter SLC39A4 (ZIP4), but up-regulation of metallothionein-1 (MT1), as well as the Zn transporters SLC30A1 (ZnT1) and SLC30A5 (ZnT5). In addition, forskolin-induced chloride secretion and epithelial resistance were controlled at a physiological level in the Znhigh but not the other groups. Finally, in the Znhigh group, we documented an earlier and higher systemic TGEV-specific serum antibody response.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that high dietary Zn could provide enhanced protection in the intestinal tract and stimulate the systemic humoral immune response against TGEV infection.

Increased susceptibility of IgA-deficient mice to pulmonary Francisella tularensis live vaccine strain infection

Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is most deadly in the pneumonic form; therefore, mucosal immunity is an important first line of defense against this pathogen. We have now evaluated the lethality of primary F. tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS) pulmonary infection in mice that are defective in IgA (IgA(-/-) mice), the predominant mucosal Ig isotype. The results showed that IgA(-/-) mice were more susceptible than IgA(+/+) mice to intranasal F. tularensis LVS infection, despite developing higher levels of LVS-specific total, IgG, and IgM antibodies in the bronchoalveolar lavage specimens following infection. In addition, the absence of IgA resulted in a significant increase in bacterial loads and reduced survival. Interestingly, IgA(-/-) mice had lower pulmonary gamma interferon (IFN-γ) levels and decreased numbers of IFN-γ-secreting CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the lung on day 9 postinfection compared to IgA(+/+) mice. Furthermore, IgA(-/-) mice displayed reduced interleukin 12 (IL-12) levels at early time points, and supplementing IgA(-/-) mice with IL-12 prior to LVS challenge induced IFN-γ production by NK cells and rescued them from mortality. Thus, IgA(-/-) mice are highly susceptible to primary pulmonary LVS infections not only because of IgA deficiency but also because of reduced IFN-γ responses.

Mucosal immunity and nasal influenza vaccination

Influenza remains a threat to public health, with immunization being a suitable method of infection prevention and control. Our understanding of the immunological regulations at the mucosa, antigen processing and presentation, and B-cell activation has improved, enabling research and targeted induction of immune responses at the site of antigen delivery. Nasal influenza immunization has distinct features compared with intramuscular vaccines, providing protection at the pathogen's entry site, higher levels of mucosal antibodies, cross-protection and needle-free application. This review summarizes our knowledge about mucosal immunity and the experience from clinical trials on the impact and safety of nasal influenza vaccination.

Enhanced keratinocyte proliferation and migration in co-culture with fibroblasts

Wound healing is primarily controlled by the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts as well as the complex interactions between these two cell types. To investigate the interactions between keratinocytes and fibroblasts and the effects of direct cell-to-cell contact on the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes, keratinocytes and fibroblasts were stained with different fluorescence dyes and co-cultured with or without transwells. During the early stage (first 5 days) of the culture, the keratinocytes in contact with fibroblasts proliferated significantly faster than those not in contact with fibroblasts, but in the late stage (11(th) to 15(th) day), keratinocyte growth slowed down in all cultures unless EGF was added. In addition, keratinocyte migration was enhanced in co-cultures with fibroblasts in direct contact, but not in the transwells. Furthermore, the effects of the fibroblasts on keratinocyte migration and growth at early culture stage correlated with heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), IL-1α and TGF-β1 levels in the cultures where the cells were grown in direct contact. These effects were inhibited by anti-HB-EGF, anti-IL-1α and anti-TGF-β1 antibodies and anti-HB-EGF showed the greatest inhibition. Co-culture of keratinocytes and IL-1α and TGF-β1 siRNA-transfected fibroblasts exhibited a significant reduction in HB-EGF production and keratinocyte proliferation. These results suggest that contact with fibroblasts stimulates the migration and proliferation of keratinocytes during wound healing, and that HB-EGF plays a central role in this process and can be up-regulated by IL-1α and TGF-β1, which also regulate keratinocyte proliferation differently during the early and late stage.

A novel combined adjuvant for nasal delivery elicits mucosal immunity to influenza in aging

Since a combination of flt3 ligand plasmid (pFL) and CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN)(3) as a dendritic cell (DC)-targeting double mucosal adjuvant elicited ovalbumin-specific secretory IgA (S-IgA) antibody (Ab) responses, we examined whether this double adjuvant could induce influenza-specific protective immunity in aged mice. A double adjuvant plus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8) hemagglutinin (HA) induced increased numbers of CD11b(+) CD11c(+) DCs and both CD4(+) Th1- and Th2-type responses in the nasopharyngeal-associated lymphoreticular tissue, nasal passages and cervical lymph nodes. Further, increased levels of PR8 HA-specific S-IgA Ab responses were detected in the upper respiratory tact (URT) of aged and young adult mice given nasal PR8 HA with this double adjuvant. Thus, when mice were challenged with PR8 virus via the nasal route, both aged and young adult mice given nasal vaccine exhibited complete protection. Further, IgA-deficient mice nasally immunized with a double adjuvant influenza vaccine failed to provide protection against PR8 challenge. These results indicate that a nasal double adjuvant successfully induces PR8 HA-specific IgA Ab responses in both young adult and aged mice, which are essential for the prevention of influenza infection in the murine URT.

Expression of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) VP2-VP3 fusion protein in Lactobacillus casei and immunogenicity in rainbow trouts

Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) infects wild and cultured salmonids, causing high mortality in juvenile trouts and salmons. IPNV VP2-VP3 fusion gene was constructed by splicing overlap extension (SOE) PCR and inserted into Lactobacillus/Escherichia coli shuttle vectors (pPG1and pPG2) followed by transformation of Lactobacillus casei competent cell to yield two recombinant strains: Lc:PG1-VP2-VP3 (surface-displayed) and Lc:PG2-VP2-VP3 (secretory). Subsequently, juvenile rainbow trouts were inoculated with the recombinant strains via orogastric route. Our results demonstrated that Lactobacillus-derived VP2-VP3 fusion protein could induce production of serum IgM specific for IPNV with neutralizing activity in rainbow trouts. Statistical analyses of IgM levels showed that immunogenicity of Lc:PG1-VP2-VP3 was more powerful than that of Lc:PG2-VP2-VP3 (P<0.001) in rainbow trouts. This result has been confirmed by viral loads reduction analyzed by real-time RT-PCR in orogastrically immunized rainbow trouts after virus challenging. Comparing to trouts received Lactobacillus (control), rainbow trouts orogastrically dosed with Lc:PG1-VP2-VP3 resulted in ∼10-fold reduction in viral loads on day 10 post-virus challenging, and ∼4-fold did by Lc:PG2-VP2-VP3. Taken together, Lc:PG1-VP2-VP3 functions as novel mucosal vaccine against IPNV infection in rainbow trouts, which most likely come true.

Immunogenicity of Lactobacillus-expressing VP2 and VP3 of the infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) in rainbow trout

Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) infects salmonid fish with high mortality and causes serious economic losses to salmonid aquaculture. Lactobacillus strains have a number of properties that make them attractive candidates as delivery vehicles for the presentation to the mucosa of compounds with pharmaceutical interest, in particular vaccines. Here, Lactobacilli/Escherichia coli shuttle vector pPG1 (surface-displayed) or pPG2 (secretory) with the capsid VP2 gene inserted was transformed into Lactobacillus casei to yield two recombinant strains: Lc:PG1-VP2 and Lc:PG2-VP2, respectively. Rainbow trout immunized respectively with Lc:PG1-VP2, Lc:PG2-VP2, Lc:PG1-VP3 and Lc:PG2-VP3 elicited anti-IPNV immune responses (serum IgM) via oral route. Statistical results of serum IgM titer with neutralizing activity showed that immunogenicity of Lc:PG2-VP2 was more powerful than that of Lc:PG1-VP2 (P < 0.001), Lc:PG1-VP3 (P < 0.001) and Lc:PG2-VP3 (P < 0.001), which was confirmed by viral loads reduction analyzed by real-time RT-PCR in orally immunized rainbow trout after virus challenge. Comparing with negative control, rainbow trout orally dosed with Lc:PG2-VP2 resulted in ∼46-fold reduction in virus load on days 10 post viral challenge as well as Lc:PG1-VP2(∼20-fold), Lc:PG2-VP3(∼6-fold) and Lc:PG1-VP3(∼3-fold). Taken together, Lc:PG2-VP2 exhibited a more appropriate candidate as live bacteria vaccine against IPNV infection in rainbow trout.

High-level mucosal and systemic immune responses induced by oral administration with Lactobacillus-expressed porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) S1 region combined with Lactobacillus-expressed N protein

To develop effective mucosal vaccine formulation against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection, the DNA fragments encoding spike protein immunodominant region S1 and nucleocapsid N of PEDV were inserted into pPG1 (surface-displayed) or pPG2 (secretory) plasmids followed by electrotransformation into Lactobacillus casei (Lc) to yield four recombinant strains: PG1-S1, PG2-S1, PG1-N, and PG2-N. After intragastric administration, it was observed that live Lc-expressing S1 protein combined with Lc-expressing N protein could elicit much more potent mucosal and systemic immune responses than the former alone (P < 0.001), however slightly inferior to the latter alone (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the surface-displayed mixture (PG1-S1+ PG1-N) revealed stronger immunogenicity than the secretory mixture (PG2-S1+ PG2-N) as well as PEDV-neutralizing potency in vitro (P < 0.001). On 49th day after the last immunization, splenocytes were prepared from mice immunized with surface-displayed mixture, secretory mixture and negative control to be stimulated by purified N and S protein, respectively. The results of ELISA analysis showed that N protein was capable of inducing a higher level of IL-4 (P < 0.001) and IFN-γ (P < 0.001) than S1 protein in the immunized mice. Taken together, Lc-expressed N protein as molecular adjuvant or immunoenhancer was able to effectively facilitate the induction of mucosal and systemic immune responses by Lc-expressing S1 region.

The role of secretory antibodies in infection immunity

The mucosal secretory immune system provides an important primary defence against disease, as studies of humans with mucosal humoral immunodeficiencies suggest that the absence of secretory immunoglobulin A leads to an increase in mucosal infections. However, the infection risks posed do not seem to provide the evolutionary drive to retain constitutive secretion of often 'hard won' protein, suggesting that secretory antibodies may have some other important function (or functions). This Review examines the evidence that secretory antibodies provide an important defence against infection in specific animal models and explores complementary explanations for the evolution of the secretory immune system.

Bordetella pertussis infection or vaccination substantially protects mice against B. bronchiseptica infection

Although B. bronchiseptica efficiently infects a wide range of mammalian hosts and efficiently spreads among them, it is rarely observed in humans. In contrast to the many other hosts of B. bronchiseptica, humans are host to the apparently specialized pathogen B. pertussis, the great majority having immunity due to vaccination, infection or both. Here we explore whether immunity to B. pertussis protects against B. bronchiseptica infection. In a murine model, either infection or vaccination with B. pertussis induced antibodies that recognized antigens of B. bronchiseptica and protected the lower respiratory tract of mice against three phylogenetically disparate strains of B. bronchiseptica that efficiently infect naïve animals. Furthermore, vaccination with purified B. pertussis-derived pertactin, filamentous hemagglutinin or the human acellular vaccine, Adacel, conferred similar protection against B. bronchiseptica challenge. These data indicate that individual immunity to B. pertussis affects B. bronchiseptica infection, and suggest that the high levels of herd immunity against B. pertussis in humans could explain the lack of observed B. bronchiseptica transmission. This could also explain the apparent association of B. bronchiseptica infections with an immunocompromised state.

Induction of immune responses in mice after oral immunization with recombinant Lactobacillus casei strains expressing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F41 fimbrial protein

In an effort to develop a safe and effective vaccine for the prevention of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F41 infections, we have developed a surface antigen display system using poly-gamma-glutamate synthetase A (PgsA) as an anchoring matrix. The recombinant fusion proteins comprised of PgsA and fimbrial protein of F41 were stably expressed in Lactobacillus casei 525. Surface localization of the fusion protein was verified by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry. Oral inoculation of recombinant L. casei 525 into specific-pathogen-free BALB/c mice resulted in significant mucosal immunoglobulin A (IgA) titers that remained elevated for >16 weeks. High levels of IgG responses in sera specific for F41 fimbriae were also induced, with prominent IgG1 titers as well as IgG2a and IgG2b titers. The helper T-cell (Th) response was Th2-cell dominant, as evidenced by increased mucosal and systemic interleukin-4-producing T cells and a concomitant elevation of serum IgG1 antibody responses. More than 80% of the mice were protected against challenge with a 2 x 10(4)-fold 50% lethal dose of standard-type F41 (C83919). The induced antibodies were important for eliciting a protective immune response against F41 infection. These results indicated that the use of recombinant L. casei 525 could be a valuable strategy for future vaccine development for ETEC.

Differential requirements for protection against mucosal challenge with Francisella tularensis in the presence versus absence of cholera toxin B and inactivated F. tularensis

Francisella tularensis is a category A biothreat agent for which there is no approved vaccine and the correlates of protection are not well understood. In particular, the relationship between the humoral and cellular immune response to F. tularensis and the relative importance of each in protection is controversial. Yet, understanding this relationship will be crucial to the development of an effective vaccine against this organism. We demonstrate, for the first time, a differential requirement for humoral vs cellular immunity in vaccine-induced protection against F. tularensis infection, and that the requirement for Ab observed in some protection studies, may be overcome through the induction of enhanced cellular immunity. Specifically, following intranasal/mucosal immunization of mice with inactivated F. tularensis organisms plus the cholera toxin B subunit, we observe increased production of IgG2a/2c vs IgG1 Ab, as well as IFN-gamma, indicating induction of a Th1 response. In addition, the requirement for F. tularensis-specific IgA Ab production, observed in studies following immunization with inactivated F. tularensis alone, is eliminated. Thus, these data indicate that enhanced Th1 responses can supersede the requirement for anti-F. tularensis-specific IgA. This observation also has important ramifications for vaccine development against this organism.

Prolonged protection against Intranasal challenge with influenza virus following systemic immunization or combinations of mucosal and systemic immunizations with a heat-labile toxin mutant

Seasonal influenza virus infections cause considerable morbidity and mortality in the world, and there is a serious threat of a pandemic influenza with the potential to cause millions of deaths. Therefore, practical influenza vaccines and vaccination strategies that can confer protection against intranasal infection with influenza viruses are needed. In this study, we demonstrate that using LTK63, a nontoxic mutant of the heat-labile toxin from Escherichia coli, as an adjuvant for both mucosal and systemic immunizations, systemic (intramuscular) immunization or combinations of mucosal (intranasal) and intramuscular immunizations protected mice against intranasal challenge with a lethal dose of live influenza virus at 3.5 months after the second immunization.

Mouse models for the study of mucosal vaccination against otitis media

Otitis media (OM) is one of the most common infectious diseases in humans. The pathogenesis of OM involves nasopharyngeal (NP) colonization and retrograde ascension of the pathogen up the Eustachian tube into the middle ear (ME). Due to increasing rates of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need for vaccines to prevent infections caused by the most common causes of bacterial OM, including nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Current vaccine strategies aim to diminish bacterial NP carriage, thereby reducing the likelihood of developing acute OM. To be effective, vaccination should induce local mucosal immunity both in the ME and in the NP. Studies in animal models have demonstrated that the intranasal route of vaccination is particularly effective at inducing immune responses in the nasal passage and ME for protection against OM. The mouse is increasingly used in these models, because of the availability of murine reagents and the existence of technology to manipulate murine models of disease immunologically and genetically. Previous studies confirmed the suitability of the mouse as a model for inflammatory processes in acute OM. Here, we discuss various murine models of OM and review the applicability of these models to assess the efficacy of mucosal vaccination and the mechanisms responsible for protection. In addition, we discuss various mucosal vaccine antigens, mucosal adjuvants and mucosal delivery systems.

Surface-displayed porcine epidemic diarrhea viral (PEDV) antigens on lactic acid bacteria

In this report, for surface display of viral antigen on lactobacilli, we have developed a surface antigen display system using the poly-gamma-glutamate synthetase A protein (pgsA) of Bacillus subtilis as an anchoring matrix. Recombinant fusion proteins comprised of pgsA and neucleocapsid protein of PEDV were stably expressed in Lactobacillus casei. Surface location of fusion protein was verified by ELISA, immunofluoresence microscopy. Oral and intranasal inoculations of recombinant L. casei into pregnant sow and mice resulted in high levels of serum immunoglobuline G (IgG) and mucosal IgA, as demonstrated by rnELISA(recombinant N protein ELISA) using recombinant N protein. Absorbance of IgG in pregnant sow sera highly increased duration of the experiment. More importantly, the level of IgA in colostrum were increased significantly higher than that of IgG. The IgG levels of the piglets were increased after suckling colostrum secreted from sows previously inoculated recombinant L. casei. These results indicate that mucosal immunization with recombinant L. casei expressing PEDV N protein (neucleoprotein of PEDV) on its surface elicited high levels of mucosal IgA and circulation IgG immune responses against the antigen N of PEDV.

Towards an oral influenza vaccine: comparison between intragastric and intracolonic delivery of influenza subunit vaccine in a murine model

In this paper we investigated to which part of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, the upper or lower part, an oral influenza vaccine should be targeted to result in an effective immune response in mice. Our study demonstrates that without adjuvant substantial systemic but low respiratory mucosal immune responses were induced in mice after delivery of influenza subunit vaccine to the upper GI-tract (intragastric) as well as the lower GI-tract (intracolonically). When the vaccine was adjuvanted with Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) these responses were significantly enhanced. Interestingly, intracolonic administration of vaccine with adjuvant also resulted in enhanced cellular immune responses and the desired Th1-skewing of these responses. Intragastric administration of the adjuvanted vaccine also increased T-helper responses. However, Th1-skewing was absent. In conclusion, the right combination of strong mucosal adjuvant (e.g. LT) and antigen delivery site (e.g. the lower part of the gastro-intestinal tract) might result in effective vaccination via the oral route.

Pulmonary delivery of an inulin-stabilized influenza subunit vaccine prepared by spray-freeze drying induces systemic, mucosal humoral as well as cell-mediated immune responses in BALB/c mice

In this study pulmonary vaccination with a new influenza subunit vaccine powder was evaluated. Vaccine powder was produced by spray-freeze drying (SFD) using the oligosaccharide inulin as stabilizer. Immune responses after pulmonary vaccination of BALB/c mice with vaccine powder were determined and compared to those induced by intramuscular and pulmonary vaccination with a conventional liquid subunit vaccine. All vaccinations were performed without adjuvant. Pulmonary vaccination with liquid subunit vaccine resulted in systemic humoral (IgG) immune responses similar to intramuscular immunization. In contrast, the vaccine powder delivered by the pulmonary route, induced not only systemic humoral (IgG) responses, but also cell-mediated (Il-4, IFN-gamma) and mucosal immune responses (IgA, IgG). This study demonstrates that the combination of pulmonary antigen delivery and antigen powder production by SFD improves the immunogenic potential of (influenza subunit) antigen. In conclusion, vaccination with a non-adjuvanted SFD subunit vaccine powder by inhalation might be feasible and could be an alternative to conventional parenteral vaccine administration.

Molecular mechanisms of primary and secondary mucosal immunity using avian infectious bronchitis virus as a model system

Although mucosal immune responses are critical for protection of hosts from clinical illness and even mortality caused by mucosal pathogens, the molecular mechanism of mucosal immunity, which is independent of systemic immunity, remains elusive. To explore the mechanistic basis of mucosal protective immunity, gene transcriptional profiling in mucosal tissues was evaluated after the primary and secondary immunization of animals with an attenuated avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a prototype of Coronavirus and a well-characterized mucosal pathogen. Results showed that a number of innate immune factors including toll-like receptors (TLRs), retinoic-acid-inducible gene-1 (RIG-1), type I interferons (IFNs), complements, and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were activated locally after the primary immunization. This was accompanied or immediately followed by a potent Th1 adaptive immunity as evidenced by the activation of T-cell signaling molecules, surface markers, and effector molecules. A strong humoral immune response as supported by the significantly up-regulated immunoglobulin (Ig) gamma chain was observed in the absence of innate, Th1 adaptive immunity, or IgA up-regulation after the secondary immunization, indicating that the local memory response is dominated by IgG. Overall, the results provided the first detailed kinetics on the molecular basis underlying the development of primary and secondary mucosal immunity. The key molecular signatures identified may provide new opportunities for improved prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to combat mucosal infections.

Rat salivary gland reveals a more restricted IgA repertoire than ileum

Secretory IgA is the most abundantly produced Ig in different mucosal tissues, such as the gastrointestinal tract and the salivary glands. These mucosal tissues are considered to be part of the common mucosal immune system. The specificity and immunoglobulin (Ig) VH gene repertoire of the IgA producing cells of both tissues is still largely unknown. To investigate the diversity of the antibody repertoire of IgA producing cells at different mucosal effector sites, we analysed used Ig VH genes by H-CDR3 spectrotyping and VH gene sequencing of both ileum and salivary gland IgA producing cells of PVG rats. Both types of tissues showed a limited diversity for the two major VH gene families, J558 and PC7183. The salivary gland showed even less diversity than the ileum of the same rat. Cloning and sequencing of used IgA VH genes confirmed the very restricted usage of VH genes since multiple sets of clonally related sequences in both types of tissues were found. More clones were found in salivary gland than in ileum and both tissues did not have shared VDJ joining regions. IgA derived from salivary gland used germline or near germline VH genes, whereas the ileal VH genes contained more mutations. Furthermore, clonal evolution patterns from all analyzed VH gene sequences of the salivary gland IgA producing cells show mainly randomly acquired somatic mutations, in contrast to the clonal evolution patterns often observed as a consequence of affinity maturation in germinal center reactions in peripheral lymphoid organs and Peyer's patches. Our results imply that IgA producing cells in the salivary gland are neither induced at the same place nor selected in the same way as the IgA producing cells in the ileum. The function of the IgA secreted by salivary gland is very likely a first line of defense with (near) germline encoded IgA, whereas in the intestine the majority of utilized IgA VH genes show evidence of somatic hypermutation.

A vaccination strategy to enhance mucosal and systemic antibody and T cell responses against influenza

Influenza infections are a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Therefore, there is a need to establish vaccines and immunization protocols that can prevent influenza infections. Herein, we show that one intranasal (IN) followed by one intramuscular (IM) immunizations with a combination of cell culture produced hemagglutinin (HA) antigens derived from 3 different influenza strains induced significantly higher serum hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and serum IgG antibody titers as well as T cell responses, compared to 2 IM, 2 IN or 1 M followed by 1 IN immunizations. Moreover, while 2 IM immunizations did not induce any antibody responses in nasal secretions or cervical lymph nodes, which drain the nasal mucosa, IN immunizations alone or in combination with IM immunization induced mucosal and local responses. These data show that the IN followed by IM immunization strategy holds promise to significantly raise serum and local antibody and T cell responses against seasonal influenza strains, and possibly pandemic influenza strains, for which no pre-existing immunity exists.

Passive serum therapy with polyclonal antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis protects against post-chemotherapy relapse of tuberculosis infection in SCID mice

We investigated the protective role of immune-sera against reactivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in SCID mice and found that passive immunization with sera obtained from mice treated with detoxified M. tuberculosis extracts (delivered in liposomes in a composition known as RUTI) exerted significant protection. Our SCID mouse model consisted of aerosol infection by M. tuberculosis, followed by 3 to 8weeks of chemotherapy with isoniazid+rifampicin (INH+RIF) (25 and 10mg/kg, respectively). After infection and antibiotic administration, two groups of mice were treated for up to 10weeks with intraperitoneal passive immunization using hyperimmune serum (HS) obtained from mice infected with M. tuberculosis, treated with chemotherapy (INH+RIF) for 8weeks and inoculated with RUTI (HS group) or with normal serum (CT group). Significant differences were found between HS and CT groups in the number of bacilli in the lungs (3.68+/-2.02 vs. 5.72+/-1.41log(10) c.f.u.), extent of pulmonary granulomatomous infiltration (10.33+/-0.67 vs. 31.2+/-1.77%), and percentage of animals without pulmonary abscesses (16.7% vs. 45.5%). These data strongly suggest a protective role of specific antibodies against lung dissemination of M. tuberculosis infection.

Immunoglobulin A and CD8+ T-Cell Mucosal Immune Defenses Protect Against Intranasal Infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae

Chlamydia pneumoniae initiates infection in humans via the mucosal epithelia of the respiratory tract; therefore, immunity at this mucosal site is believed to be important to control infection with this pathogen. We compared the protective capacity of immunization in mice with two C. pneumoniae antigens, namely the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) and the heat shock protein 60 (HSP-60), against intranasal (i.n.) infection with the bacteria when given as protein or DNA and when administered by i.n. or intraperitoneal (i.p.) routes. Our data showed that i.n. immunizations with both antigens delivered as DNA were protective against C. pneumoniae infection, probably due to induction of cell-mediated immune responses. Our study also revealed that i.n. immunizations with MOMP, but not with HSP-60, given as protein induced protective local immune responses in the respiratory tract against C. pneumoniae infection. Moreover, no protection was induced by either antigen when the i.p. route of immunization was used. We further investigated in immunoglobulin (Ig)A-deficient mice whether the reduction in the bacterial loads observed when MOMP was administered intranasally was related to the strong local IgA responses induced by this route of immunization. Our data showed that IgA-deficient mice were more susceptible to infection than wild-type mice, suggesting that the induction of local IgA responses may play a role in the protection of the respiratory tract against C. pneumoniae infections.

The protective effect of antibody in immunity to murine chlamydial genital tract reinfection is independent of immunoglobulin A

The resolution of primary and secondary chlamydial genital infection in immunoglobulin A (IgA)-deficient (IgA(-/-)) mice was not different from that in IgA(+/+) mice. Furthermore, depletion of either CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells prior to reinfection of IgA(+/+) or (-/-) mice had limited impact on immunity to reinfection. Thus, although antibody contributes importantly to immunity to chlamydial genital tract reinfection, IgA antibodies are not an absolute requirement of that protective response.

Mucosal B cell deficiency in IgA-/- mice abrogates the development of allergic lung inflammation

We have investigated the consequence of lack of IgA on host immunity using a murine model of allergic lung inflammation. Mice with a targeted disruption of the alpha-switch region and 5' H chain gene (IgA(-/-) mice), which lack total IgA, developed significantly reduced pulmonary inflammation with fewer inflammatory cells in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, as well as reduced levels of total and IgG1 OVA-specific Abs and decreased IL-4 and IL-5 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids compared with IgA(+/+) controls, following allergen sensitization and challenge. This defect was attributable to fewer B cells in the lungs of IgA(-/-) mice. Polymeric IgR-deficient (pIgR(-/-)) mice, which lack the receptor that transports polymeric IgA across the mucosal epithelium where it is cleaved to form secretory IgA, were used to assess the contribution of secretory IgA vs total IgA in the induction of allergic lung inflammation. pIgR(-/-) and pIgR(+/+) mice had comparable levels of inflammation, demonstrating that IgA bound to secretory component is not necessary for the development of allergic lung inflammation, although this does not necessarily rule out a role for transudated IgA in lung secretions because of "mucosal leakiness" in these mice. The results indicate that Ag-specific B cells are required at mucosal surfaces for induction of inflammation and likely function as major APCs in the lung for soluble protein Ags.

Bronchial hyper-responsiveness in selective IgA deficiency

Secretory IgA in mucosal secretions has a broad protective function. The insufficient protection provided by the respiratory mucosa in children with selective IgA deficiency (sIgAD) might facilitate the development of bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) and consequently asthma symptoms. This study was conducted to clarify the prevalence of BHR in sIgAD children and the relationship with atopic status. A cohort of 20 children (group A) aged 6.4-20.1 yr (median: 12.6) with sIgAD (serum IgA <6 mg/dl) were evaluated for BHR using inhaled hypertonic saline test as well as for atopy by skin prick testing (SPT) to eight common aero-allergens. Seventy other children with normal levels of serum IgA, but sensitized to aero-allergens (group B) and 102 with normal IgA and negative SPTs (group C) were also evaluated. Baseline spirometry demonstrated that forced vital capacity (FVC) values in group A were significantly lower than in C. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s values were similar in all groups, but impairment of the forced expiratory flow over the middle half of the FVC was detected in group B. The prevalence of BHR was similar among group A (30.0%) and group B (35.7%) (p = 0.79) but they differed from group C (5.9%) (p = 0.005). An association between BHR and reported current (p = 0.001) but not lifetime asthma symptoms among group A was also observed. There was no association between atopy and BHR in group A but only to mites' sensitization (p = 0.03). In conclusion, these results indicate that sIgAD constitutes a risk factor for development of BHR but it appears to be related to sensitization to mites.

Role of IgA in the defense against respiratory infections IgA deficient mice exhibited increased susceptibility to intranasal infection with Mycobacterium bovis BCG

IgA is the predominant Ig isotype in mucosal tissue and is believed to be involved in defense against viral and bacterial infections at these sites. Here, we examined the role of IgA in the protection against intranasal (i.n.) infection with Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). IgA deficient (IgA-/-) mice and wild type non-targeted littermate (IgA+/+) mice were immunized by i.n. route with the mycobacterium surface antigen PstS-1 formulated with cholera toxin (CT). Our data showed that IgA-/- mice were more susceptible to BCG infection compared to IgA+/+ mice, as revealed by the higher bacterial loads in the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Analysis of the Ig levels and the antibody responses to PstS-1 showed that IgA-/- mice had no detectable IgA either in the saliva or in the BAL. However, these mice displayed higher levels of total and specific IgM than IgA+/+ mice in both mucosal fluids. More importantly, analysis of the cytokine responses revealed a reduction in the IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production in the lungs of IgA-/- compared to IgA+/+ mice. Altogether, our results suggest that IgA may play a role in protection against mycobacterial infections in the respiratory tract by blocking the pathogen entrance and/or by modulating the pro-inflammatory responses.

TGF-beta receptor signaling is critical for mucosal IgA responses

TGF-beta receptor (TbetaR) signaling is important for systemic IgA production; however, its contribution to IgA secretion at mucosal sites remained uncertain. This important question was addressed using mice lacking the TbetaR in B cells (TbetaRII-B). Although reduced, IgA-secreting cells and IgA were still present in the systemic and mucosal compartments. The adaptive immune response was investigated after oral or nasal immunization using adjuvants acting on different molecular targets, namely, the cholera toxin B subunit and the macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2. Efficient Ag-specific cellular and humoral responses were triggered both in controls and TbetaRII-B mice. However, a significant reduction in Ag-specific IgG2b and increased levels of IgG3 were observed in sera from TbetaRII-B mice. Furthermore, Ag-specific IgA-secreting cells, serum IgA, and secretory IgA were undetectable in TbetaRII-B mice. These results demonstrate the critical role played by TbetaR in Ag-driven stimulation of secretory IgA responses in vivo.

An Important Role for Polymeric Ig Receptor-Mediated Transport of IgA in Protection againstStreptococcus pneumoniaeNasopharyngeal Carriage

The importance of IgA for protection at mucosal surfaces remains unclear, and in fact, it has been reported that IgA-deficient mice have fully functional vaccine-induced immunity against several bacterial and viral pathogens. The role of respiratory Ab in preventing colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae has now been examined using polymeric IgR knockout (pIgR(-/-)) mice, which lack the ability to actively secrete IgA into the mucosal lumen. Intranasal vaccination with a protein conjugate vaccine elicited serotype-specific anti-capsular polysaccharide Ab locally and systemically, and pIgR(-/-) mice produced levels of total serum Ab after vaccination that were similar to wild-type mice. However, pIgR(-/-) mice had approximately 5-fold more systemic IgA and 6-fold less nasal IgA Ab than wild-type mice due to defective transport into mucosal tissues. Wild-type, but not pIgR(-/-) mice were protected against infection with serotype 14 S. pneumoniae, which causes mucosal colonization but does not induce systemic inflammatory responses in mice. The relative importance of secretory IgA in host defense was further shown by the finding that intranasally vaccinated IgA gene-deficient mice were not protected from colonization. Although secretory IgA was found to be important for protection against nasal carriage, it does not appear to have a crucial role in immunity to systemic pneumococcus infection, because both vaccinated wild-type and pIgR(-/-) mice were fully protected from lethal systemic infection by serotype 3 pneumococci. The results demonstrate the critical role of secretory IgA in protection against pneumococcal nasal colonization and suggest that directed targeting to mucosal tissues will be needed for effective vaccination in humans.

Chlamydia trachomatis pulmonary infection induces greater inflammatory pathology in immunoglobulin A deficient mice

Chlamydia trachomatis is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that primarily infects via mucosal surfaces. Using mice with a targeted disruption in IgA gene expression (IgA(-/-) mice), we have studied the contribution of IgA, the principal mucosal antibody isotype, in primary immune defenses against pulmonary C. trachomatis infection. Bacterial burden was comparable between IgA(-/-) and IgA(+/+) animals following C. trachomatis challenge. Serum and pulmonary anti-Chlamydia antibody levels were higher in IgA(-/-) animals, with the exception of IgA. Lung sections of challenged IgA(-/-) mice showed more extensive immunopathology than corresponding IgA(+/+) animals. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated significantly greater IFN-gamma and TGF-beta mRNA expression in IgA(-/-) as compared to IgA(+/+) animals. Together, these results suggest that IgA may not be necessary for clearance of primary C. trachomatis infection. However, IgA(-/-) mice displayed exaggerated lung histopathology and altered cytokine production, indicating an important role for IgA in regulating C. trachomatis induced pulmonary inflammation and maintenance of mucosal homeostasis.

Elevation of IgG antibodies against tissue transglutaminase as a diagnostic tool for coeliac disease in selective IgA deficiency

BACKGROUND

IgA serum autoantibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG) have an established diagnostic value in coeliac disease, and high efficacy tests are widely available for their detection. However, serological evaluation of IgA deficient subjects is still difficult.

AIMS

To evaluate the diagnostic potential of IgG class anti-tTG autoantibodies measured quantitatively using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) compared with immunofluorescent detection of coeliac autoantibodies.

PATIENTS

We tested serum samples from 325 IgA deficient subjects, including 78 patients with coeliac disease, 73 disease controls, and 174 blood donors.

METHODS

IgG antibodies against human recombinant tTG were measured with an ELISA. IgG antiendomysium antibodies (EMA) were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence on human jejunum and appendix sections.

RESULTS

The IgG anti-tTG ELISA had a sensitivity of 98.7% and a specificity of 98.6%, and the correlation with IgG EMA titres was high (r(s)=0.91). One coeliac patient, initially negative in all autoantibody tests, displayed both IgG anti-tTG antibodies and IgG EMA during later gluten exposure. IgG anti-tTG antibodies and EMA titres showed significant decreases (p<0.001) in treated patients. The frequency of IgG anti-tTG autoantibody positivity was 9.8% among IgA deficient blood donors and 11 of the 12 positive subjects with known HLA-DQ haplotypes carried DQ2 or DQ8 alleles.

CONCLUSIONS

IgG anti-tTG and IgG EMA autoantibody tests are highly efficient in detecting coeliac disease in IgA deficient patients. The high prevalence of coeliac antibodies among symptom free IgA deficient blood donors who also carry coeliac-type HLA-DQ genes indicates that all IgA deficient persons should be evaluated for coeliac disease.

Effect of priming/booster immunisation protocols on immune response to canine parvovirus peptide induced by vaccination with a chimaeric plant virus construct

Expression of a 17-mer peptide sequence from canine parvovirus expressed on cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) to form chimaeric virus particles (CVPs) creates vaccine antigens that elicit strong anti-peptide immune responses in mice. Systemic (subcutaneous, s.c.) immunisation and boosting with such CVP constructs produces IgG(2a) serum antibody responses, while mucosal (intranasal, i.n.) immunisation and boosting elicits intestinal IgA responses. Combinations of systemic and mucosal routes for priming and boosting immunisations were used to examine their influence on the level, type and location of immune response generated to one of these constructs (CVP-1). In all cases, s.c. administration, whether for immunisation or boosting, generated a Th1-biased response, reflected in a predominantly IgG(2a) serum antibody isotype and secretion of IFN-gamma from in vitro-stimulated lymphocytes. Serum antibody responses were greatest in animals primed and boosted subcutaneously, and least in mucosally vaccinated mice. The i.n. exposure also led to IFN-gamma release from in vitro-stimulated cells, but serum IgG(2a) was significantly elevated only in mice primed intranasally and boosted subcutaneously. Peptide- and wild-type CPMV-specific IgA responses in gut lavage fluid were greatest in animals exposed mucosally and least in those primed and boosted subcutaneously or primed subcutaneously and boosted orally. Lymphocytes from immunised mice proliferated in response to in vitro stimulation with CPMV but not with peptide. The predominant secretion of IFN-gamma from all immunising/boosting combinations indicates that the route of vaccination and challenge does not alter the Th1 bias of the response to CVP constructs. However, optimal serum and intestinal antibody responses were achieved by combining s.c. and i.n. administration.