New vaccines require potent adjuvants like AFPL1 and AFCo1

Scand J Immunol. 2007 Aug-Sep;66(2-3):271-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2007.01981.x.

Abstract

Neisseria meningitidis B proteoliposome (AFPL1 when used as adjuvant) and its derivative-Cochleate (AFCo1) contain immunopotentiating and immunomodulating properties and delivery system capacities required for a good adjuvant. Additionally, they contain meningococcal protective antigens and permit packaging of other antigens and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP). Consequently, we hypothesized that they would function as good vaccine adjuvants for their own antigens and also for non-related antigens. AFPL1 is a detergent-extracted outer membrane vesicle of N. meningitidis B transformed into AFCo1 in calcium environment. Both are produced at Finlay Institute under good manufacture practices (GMP) conditions. We show their exceptional characteristics: combining in the same structure, the potentiator activity, polarizing agents and delivery system capacities; presenting multimeric protein copies; containing multiprotein composition and multi and synergistic PAMP components; acting with incorporated or co-administrated antigens; inducing type I IFN-gamma and IL-12 cytokines suggesting the stimulation of human plasmocytoid precursor and conventional dendritic cells, respectively, inducing a preferential Th1 immune response with TCD4(+), TCD8(+), cross-presentation and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) in vivo responses; and functioning by parenteral and mucosal routes. AFPL1-AFCo1 protective protein constitutions permit per se their function as a vaccine. In addition to Phase IV Men BC vaccine, AFPL1 has ended the preclinical stage in an allergy vaccine and is concluding the preclinical stage of a nasal meningococcal vaccine. In conclusion, AFPL1 and AFCo1 induced signal 1, 2 and 3 polarizing to a Th1 (including CTL) response when they acted directly as vaccines or were used as adjuvants with incorporated or co-administered antigens by parenteral or mucosal routes. Both are very promising adjuvants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage*
  • Animals
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
  • Liposomes
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / immunology
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / prevention & control*
  • Meningococcal Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Meningococcal Vaccines / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup B / immunology*
  • Proteolipids / administration & dosage
  • Proteolipids / immunology*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Liposomes
  • Meningococcal Vaccines
  • Proteolipids
  • proteoliposomes