ORAL DELIVERY OF A VACCINE TO THE LARGE INTESTINE TO INDUCE MUCOSAL IMMUNITY

摘要

Immunogenic compositions formulated for oral delivery are disclosed. These compositions include a polymer core encapsulating a target immunogen and one or more immunostimulatory agents; and a pH-sensitive copolymer matrix disposed about the polymer core. In some examples the target immunogen is an antigen derived from a viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic pathogen. In some examples, the one or more immunostimulatory agents is a Toll like receptor ligand. Methods of inducing a mucosal immune response in the large intestine of a subject are also disclosed, such methods include administering a therapeutically effective amount of the immunogenic compositions formulated for oral delivery. Also disclosed are methods of treating or inhibiting an infection by a pathogenic bacteria, virus, fungus or parasite.