Nasal immunization with group B streptococci can induce high levels of specific IgA antibodies in cervicovaginal secretions of mice

Vaccine. 1997 Aug;15(11):1244-51. doi: 10.1016/s0264-410x(97)00021-2.

Abstract

We have studied the cervicovaginal antibody responses in mice, by ELISA, following mucosal immunizations with group B streptococci (GBS) serotype III/R4. Immunizations were carried out either: (1) rectally with GBS alone; (2) rectally with GBS plus cholera toxin (CT); (3) nasally with GBS alone; (4) nasally with GBS+CT; or (5) nasally under general anesthesia with GBS+CT. Nasal immunizations with GBS alone led to at least tenfold higher levels of specific IgA-antibodies to GBS in cervicovaginal secretions than with any other immunization. These mucosal antibody levels were higher than after rectal immunizations, and 2-17 times higher than the corresponding IgA antibody levels in sera. Markedly lower cervicovaginal antibody levels were found in mice which had received GBS together with CT as a mucosal adjuvant than in mice immunized by the same routes with GBS alone. Our observations indicate that a nasal vaccine consisting of GBS might induce sufficient antibody levels to protect against genital colonization of these bacteria.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology
  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Administration, Rectal
  • Animals
  • Bacterial Vaccines / immunology*
  • Body Fluids / immunology*
  • Cervix Uteri / immunology*
  • Cervix Uteri / metabolism
  • Cholera Toxin / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Immunization*
  • Immunoglobulin A / biosynthesis*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred A
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / immunology*
  • Vagina / immunology*
  • Vagina / metabolism

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Cholera Toxin