Encapsulation of antigen in chitosan particles enhances activation and antigen specific response by antigen presenting cells

摘要

In this study, we explored the effects of antigen-encapsulated chitosan particles on APC uptake and function. Our results indicate that encapsulation of subunit antigen in chitosan particles enhances antigen delivery and subsequent activation of APCs. In all measures of APC activation and presentation, AgCPs outperformed soluble antigen. The ability of BMDC's pulsed with AgCPs to present both MHC I and MHC II epitopes is particularly encouraging. Modification of chitosan or incorporation of additional immune response modifiers may permit the direction of a vaccine response toward either humoral or cell-mediated immunity. Taken together, our results indicate that AgCPs are a promising vaccine delivery platform deserving of continued exploration. Future studies will evaluate the in vivo immune response to chitosan particle-based antigen delivery systems.