Production of biologically active CXC chemokines by Lactococcus lactis: evaluation of its potential as a novel mucosal vaccine adjuvant

Vaccine. 2008 Oct 29;26(46):5778-83. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.08.044. Epub 2008 Sep 13.

Abstract

Chemokines have been described as essential mediators in leukocytes migration to inflammatory sites and to secondary lymphoid organs. Mig and IP-10 are two CXC chemokines that recruit mononuclear cells in vivo and inhibit angiogenesis. In addition to their chemotactic roles, Mig and IP-10 have also an important role in the adaptative immune response. In this study, we asked whether a food-grade bacterium, Lactococcus lactis, is able to produce a fusion protein comprising Mig and IP-10 (Mig::IP-10). The activity of the recombinant Mig::IP-10 produced by the genetically engineered L. lactis (LL-Mig::IP-10) was confirmed in a murine spleen cells chemotaxis assay. Moreover, the adjuvant properties of LL-Mig::IP-10 strain were evaluated in mice by the co-expression of a model antigen, the human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein. Our data show that LL-Mig::IP-10 can produce a genetic fusion of Mig::IP-10 biologically active. This recombinant strain represents a potential candidate for the development of new strategies for mucosal vaccination.

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic*
  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation / immunology
  • Chemokines, CXC / biosynthesis*
  • Chemokines, CXC / pharmacology*
  • Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / drug effects
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Female
  • Immunity, Mucosal / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulin A / biosynthesis
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
  • Lactococcus lactis / genetics
  • Lactococcus lactis / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Protein Engineering

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Chemokines, CXC
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G