Search

Background: Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is still one of the most economically important viral diseases of pigs. In endemic countries, the disease is controlled mostly through vaccination; hence, the availability of safe and effective vaccines is of utmost importance. Vaccines intended for application in developing countries must also be thermally stable, since the infrastructure needed to maintain a cold chain in those countries is usually lacking. Porvac® is a second-generation subunit marker vaccine against CSF that has demonstrates to be safe and protective. Previous studies have also shown that the vaccine is stable for 1 week at 37 oC and have a shelf life of at least 36 months at 2–8 oC. The aim of this work was to further explore the accelerated stability of Porvac® by assessing the physicochemical properties of the emulsion, and the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine subjected to more drastic conditions of thermal stress: (1) 25 oC for 12 months; (2) 30oC and 37 oC for one month and (3) 15 days at 37 °C after the cap of the vials had been needle-punctured. Results: The vaccine subjected to all these conditions did not show significant changes in the physicochemical properties of the emulsion; did not produce local or systemic adverse reactions in pigs, and the chromatographic profile of the recovered antigen was preserved. All vaccinated swine developed neutralizing antibody titers ≥ 1:1000 at 28 days post vaccination. Conclusions: Porvac® is stable in all the experimental conditions tested, even after cap puncture, and retains the capacity to induce high titers of neutralizing antibodies, well above the threshold of protection. These results reinforce the robustness of the vaccine, and support its use as a very attractive alternative to modified live vaccines in developing countries endemic for CSF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is still one of the most economically important viral diseases of pigs. In endemic countries, the disease is controlled mostly through vaccination; hence, the availability of safe and effective vaccines is of utmost importance. Vaccines intended for application in developing countries must also be thermally stable, since the infrastructure needed to maintain a cold chain in those countries is usually lacking. Porvac® is a second-generation subunit marker vaccine against CSF that has demonstrates to be safe and protective. Previous studies have also shown that the vaccine is stable for 1 week at 37 oC and have a shelf life of at least 36 months at 2–8 oC. The aim of this work was to further explore the accelerated stability of Porvac® by assessing the physicochemical properties of the emulsion, and the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine subjected to more drastic conditions of thermal stress: (1) 25 oC for 12 months; (2) 30oC and 37 oC for one month and (3) 15 days at 37 °C after the cap of the vials had been needle-punctured. Results The vaccine subjected to all these conditions did not show significant changes in the physicochemical properties of the emulsion; did not produce local or systemic adverse reactions in pigs, and the chromatographic profile of the recovered antigen was preserved. All vaccinated swine developed neutralizing antibody titers ≥ 1:1000 at 28 days post vaccination. Conclusions Porvac® is stable in all the experimental conditions tested, even after cap puncture, and retains the capacity to induce high titers of neutralizing antibodies, well above the threshold of protection. These results reinforce the robustness of the vaccine, and support its use as a very attractive alternative to modified live vaccines in developing countries endemic for CSF.

The use of egg yolk antibodies—IgY technology—represents an alternative to the production of mammalian immunoglobulins and has several advantages regarding animal welfare and lower costs of production. The use of adjuvants to achieve the hyperimmunization of laying hens plays a key role in the success of the production of high levels of the antibodies. In the present work, two different adjuvant systems (Freund's adjuvants and MontanideTM ISA 71 VG) were compared to produce IgY anti-Bothrops alternatus. For the first immunization, formalin-inactivated Salmonella was added to MontanideTM ISA 71 VG to emulate Freund's complete adjuvant which includes a mycobacteria antigen. After eight immunizations, IgY produced by using either adjuvant was able to neutralize the lethal activity of the venom in a mouse model, but differences were found regarding the recognition of components of the venom between the two adjuvants tested. Overall, MontanideTM adjuvant used in this work could be a good alternative choice to produce antibodies capable of neutralizing the lethality of complex antigens. This adjuvant is commercially available and used in the formulation of several poultry vaccines and could be used for the IgY technology instead of traditional immunomodulators such as Freund's adjuvants. Key points • IgY extracts recognized major components of the venom. • Avidity indexes of the IgY extracts increased after the successive immunizations. • IgY obtained by two adjuvant systems neutralized the lethal activity of the venom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjuvants are essential for vaccine development, especially subunit-based vaccines such as those containing recombinant proteins. Increasing the knowledge of the immune response mechanisms generated by adjuvants should facilitate the formulation of vaccines in the future. The present work describes the immune phenotypes induced by Poly (I:C) and Montanide ISA 720 in the context of mice immunization with a recombinant protein based on the Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein (PvCSP) sequence. Mice immunized with the recombinant protein plus Montanide ISA 720 showed an overall more robust humoral response, inducing antibodies with greater avidity to the antigen. A general trend for mixed Th1/Th2 inflammatory cytokine profile was increased in Montanide-adjuvanted mice, while a balanced profile was observed in Poly (I:C)-adjuvanted mice. Montanide ISA 720 induced a gene signature in B lymphocytes characteristic of heme biosynthesis, suggesting increased differentiation to Plasma Cells. On the other hand, Poly (I:C) provoked more perturbations in T cell transcriptome. These results extend the understanding of the modulation of specific immune responses induced by different classes of adjuvants, and could support the optimization of subunit-based vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjuvants are essential for vaccine development, especially subunit-based vaccines such as those containing recombinant proteins. Increasing the knowledge of the immune response mechanisms generated by adjuvants should facilitate the formulation of vaccines in the future. The present work describes the immune phenotypes induced by Poly (I:C) and Montanide ISA 720 in the context of mice immunization with a recombinant protein based on the Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein (PvCSP) sequence. Mice immunized with the recombinant protein plus Montanide ISA 720 showed an overall more robust humoral response, inducing antibodies with greater avidity to the antigen. A general trend for mixed Th1/Th2 inflammatory cytokine profile was increased in Montanide-adjuvanted mice, while a balanced profile was observed in Poly (I:C)-adjuvanted mice. Montanide ISA 720 induced a gene signature in B lymphocytes characteristic of heme biosynthesis, suggesting increased differentiation to Plasma Cells. On the other hand, Poly (I:C) provoked more perturbations in T cell transcriptome. These results extend the understanding of the modulation of specific immune responses induced by different classes of adjuvants, and could support the optimization of subunit-based vaccines.

Background & Objective: Currently selection and use of nanoparticle adjuvant is very important. Due to the lack of effective anti-snakebite serums to treat it and high cost of purchasing external anti-snakebite serums, preparation of suitable internal nanoparticles to produce hyper-immunization plasma has become very important. In order to minimize the disadvantages associated with traditionally used adjuvants in ovines and to produce potent antivenum, a comparison was made between various adjuvants for their immune-potentiation capacity and safety. Material & methods: The present study was conducted in 15 sheep, divided into three groups and hyper-immunized using crude venom of cobra snake (Naja naja oxiana) along with three adjuvants, Montanide, aluminum phosphate and poly methyl methacrylate through subcutaneous route at intervals of a week. Periodic standard safety assessments were done. Results: The neutralization activity (LD50) of pooled sera samples by 9th week, obtained with aluminum phosphate, Montanide and poly methyl methacrylate groups were 1.5, 2.2 and 2 LD50/ml respectively. The sheep of poly methyl methacrylate group showed minimum local reactions at injection site, while sheep from other two groups exhibited moderate reactions. However, these were transient and reabsorbed or healed subsequently. Conclusion: Poly methyl methacrylate nanoparticle adjuvant could be a possible alternative to the emulsion adjuvants for primary phase of immunization in antivenomous preparation considering its acceptable immunopotentiation capacity and safety in donor animals.

Warm-water piscine francisellosis is a granulomatous bacterial disease caused by Francisella orientalis (Fo). The disease has been detected in a wide range of fish species globally, causing mortalities as high as 90% and significant economic losses. Currently there are no commercially available vaccines and few treatment options exist. In the current study, two novel recombinant vaccines were prepared using diatom-expressed IglC or bacterial-expressed GroEL proteins. The vaccine antigens were emulsified with either nanoparticles or a commercially available oil-based adjuvant. Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, fingerlings were immunized intracoelomically with the recombinant IglC or GroEL vaccines, diatoms alone or phosphate buffer saline. Approximately 840-degree days post-vaccination, fish were challenged via immersion with 106 CFU/mL of wild-type Fo. Twenty-one days post challenge (dpc), the highest relative percent survival was recorded in the IglC-Montanide group (75%), compared to 53%, 50%, 22%, 19% and 16% in the IglC-nanoparticles, GroEL-Montanide, GroEL-nanoparticles, diatoms-Montanide and diatoms-nanoparticles groups, respectively. Protection correlated with significantly higher specific antibody responses in the IglC-Montanide group. Moreover, a significantly lower bacterial load was detected in spleen samples from the IglC-Montanide survivor tilapia compared to the other experimental groups. This is the first report of recombinant vaccines against piscine francisellosis in tilapia. The Fo vaccines described in our study may facilitate development of a safe, cost-effective and highly protective vaccine against francisellosis in farmed tilapia. • Injectable recombinant IgLC and GroEL vaccines against Francisella orientalis were developed for the first time. • The novel vaccines were tested in tilapia against Fo in a laboratory-controlled immersion challenge. • The recombinant IglC vaccine with Montanide conferred the highest protection compared to other vaccine formulations. • Protection of tilapia was correlated with significantly higher serum IgM levels following the Fo challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used TSA as a principal antigen of Leishmania major with adjuvants. The aim of this research was to assess the efficacy of protein vaccine in the presence of Montanide vis-à-vis chitosan nanoparticle. The expression of recombinant protein was confirmed with SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) page and Western blotting. A total of 36 BALB/c mice were divided into six groups (TSA/high chitosan, TSA/low chitosan, TSA/Montanide, high chitosan, low chitosan, and PBS groups) and subcutaneously immunized with 20 mg of vaccine at three time intervals on days 0, 14, and 28. The mice were challenged with parasites 21 days after the final immunization. For assaying lymphocyte proliferation, the Brdu test and for evaluation of IgG subclasses and cytokines, the ELISA method was carried out. No statistically noteworthy variation was found between the vaccinated groups before and after the infectious challenge or intervention in terms of IgG and IFN-γ values. Statistically, significant difference was seen among the vaccinated and control groups in terms of IgG and IFN-γ. In terms of IL-4 before and after intervention, no statistically substantial difference was noted in the vaccinated and control groups, whereas, IgG isotypes rose to a great extent prior to and following intervention in all vaccine-immunized groups as compared with control groups. The formulated recombinant TSA protein vaccine with adjuvants induced lymphocytes proliferation and increased cytokines and antibodies as compared with the control groups. Given their potency, the formulated candidate vaccines may be recommended for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A key goal of a successful vaccine formulation is the strong induction of persistent protective immune responses without producing side-effects. Adjuvants have been proved to be successful in several species at inducing increased immune responses against poorly immunogenic antigens. Fish are not the exception and promising results of adjuvanted vaccine formulations in many species are needed. In this study, over a period of 300 days, we characterized the apparent damage and immune response in gilthead seabream immunized by intraperitoneal injection with the model antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) alone or formulated with Montanide ISA water-in-oil (761 or 763), or Imject™ aluminum hydroxide (aluminium), as adjuvants. Throughout the trial, external tissue damage was examined visually, but no change was observed. Internally, severe adhesions, increased fat tissue, and hepatomegaly were recorded, but, without impairing animal health. At 120 days post priming (dpp), histopathological evaluations of head-kidney, spleen and liver revealed the presence of altered melanomacrophage centers (MMC) in HK and spleen, but not in liver. Surprisingly, in all aluminium treated fish, classical stains unmasked a toxic effect on splenic-MMC, unequivocally characterized by a strong cell depletion. Furthermore, at 170 dpp transmission electron microscopy confirmed this data. Paradoxically, at the same time powerful immune responses were recorded in most vaccinated groups, including the aluminium treatment. Whatever the case, despite the observed adhesions and MMC depletion, fish physiology was not affected, and most side-effects were resolved after 300 dpp. Therefore, our data support adjuvant inclusion, but strongly suggest that use of aluminium must be further explored in detail before it might benefit the rational design of new vaccination strategies in aquaculture. Highlights • Side-effects and immune modulation capacities of three adjuvants, delivered together with KLH by IP were evaluated in seabream. • Adjuvants induced transitory internal damages, but without impairing apparent fish health or general immune response. • Aluminium exposure caused a transient immunotoxicity on splenic MMC, resolved by the end of the trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the immunogenicity and protective capacity of a new recombinant vaccine candidate, the rFh14-3-3z protein was analysed in sheep experimentally challenged with Fasciola hepatica , in terms of fluke burden, faecal egg counts, hepatic damage and humoral immune response. Three groups of 8 animals each were used for study, group 1 was immunised with the rFh14-3-3z in Montanide adjuvant, whereas group 2 and 3 remained as adjuvant control and infection control groups, respectively. The parasitological analysis showed that no significant reduction in fluke burden, fluke size and faecal egg counts was detected. The extent of hepatic damage was very similar between groups. Nonetheless, animals immunised with the rFh14-3-3z protein induced the development of specific IgG1 and IgG2, being the IgG1 the predominant antibody; which confirms the immunogenicity of this protein in sheep. This is the first report of the 14-3-3z proteins as vaccine against the infection with F. hepatica . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Currently selection and use of nanoparticle adjuvant is very important. Due to the lack of effective anti-snakebite serums to treat it and high cost of purchasing external antisnakebite serums, preparation of suitable internal nanoparticles to produce hyper-immunization plasma has become very important. In order to minimize the disadvantages associated with traditionally used adjuvants in ovines and to produce potent antivenum, a comparison was made between various adjuvants for their immune-potentiation capacity and safety. Material & Methods: The present study was conducted in 15 sheep, divided into three groups and hyper-immunized using crude venom of cobra snake (Naja naja oxiana) along with three adjuvants, Montanide, aluminum phosphate and poly methyl methacrylate through subcutaneous route at intervals of a week. Periodic standard safety assessments were done. Results: The neutralization activity (LD50) of pooled sera samples by 9th week, obtained with aluminum phosphate, Montanide and poly methyl methacrylate groups were 1.5, 2.2 and 2 LD50/ml respectively. The sheep of poly methyl methacrylate group showed minimum local reactions at injection site, while sheep from other two groups exhibited moderate reactions. However, these were transient and reabsorbed or healed subsequently. Conclusion: Poly methyl methacrylate nanoparticle adjuvant could be a possible alternative to the emulsion adjuvants for primary phase of immunization in antivenomous preparation considering its acceptable immunopotentiation capacity and safety in donor animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live vaccines are widely used in poultry industry. Such vaccines can be either injected or delivered onto the bird mucosa and most probably not adjuvanted. The herein study was devoted to focus on the potential role of gel adjuvant when added to infectious bronchitis live attenuated vaccine (IB). Montanide gel 01 is a polymer adjuvant that was recommended to be added to live vaccines improving their immunogenicity and efficacy. It was noted that augmentation of IB live vaccine with Montanide gel 01 resulted in superior quality vaccine when utilized as spray as well as the intranasal methods. Both humoral and cellular immunity were higher upon using the IB- Montanide gel 01 more than the conventional non- adjuvanted IB vaccines. Moreover, the gel 01 IB vaccine showed higher protection than the ordinary vaccines when challenged with the virulent IB strains. It was also demonstrated that gel IB vaccine could be successfully used as spray and intranasal delivered vaccine especially in mass vaccination in huge poultry industry. The results also proved that the use of Montanide gel 01 vaccine increased the safety margin of the IB vaccine and enhanced the IB vaccine efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by several species of the genus Leishmania. Montanide ISA 70 is an adjuvant composed of a natural metabolizable oil and a very refined emulsifier from the manide monooleate family. The TSA (thiol-specific antioxidant) is a important antigen of Leishmania major. The purpose of this work was protein-vaccine efficacy as an protection and excellent candidate in the presence Montanide. The expression of recombinant protein was confirmed with SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) page and Western bloting. 48 BALB/c mice were divided into four groups (TSA/Freund,TSA/Alum + BCG, TSA/Montanide and PBS groups) and immunized with 20 μg of vaccine subcutaneously three times intervals on days 0, 14 and 28. The mice were challenged with parasite 21 days after final immunization. The lymphocyte proliferation was evaluated with Brdu method. Cytokines and also total antibody and subclasses were evaluated with ELISA method. The vaccine formulated with the recombinant TSA protein with Montanide induced lymphocytes proliferation cytokines and total antibody and subclasses as compared with the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjuvants have a key role in subunit vaccine formulations to generate protective immune responses. Herein, we present results of a comparative study on mice immunized with E. coli -derived rLmSTI1 antigen formulated with Montanide ISA 720 (Ag-M720) and ISA 50-V2 (Ag-M50) adjuvants against Leishmania major ( L . major ). Groups of BALB/c mice were immunized with either Ag-M720 or Ag-M50 by 3 subcutaneous injections with 3-week intervals. Three weeks after the last injection mice were challenged by L. major promastigotes. Immune responses were evaluated before, 3 weeks, and 8 weeks after challenge. Results indicated lower parasite and lesion size in vaccinated mice (the lowest for Ag-M720 indicating the best protection) which correlated with higher IFN-γ induction in immunized groups (Ag-M720 and Ag-M50) compared to control (PBS/adjuvant alone) group. Immune assays showed comparable IFN-γ, total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a levels for Ag-M720 and Ag-M50 immunized mice but higher induction of IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 in Ag-M50 and the highest IL-10/IL-17 ratio in Ag-M720 group followed by Ag-M50 and control groups. Altogether, results indicated that lower induction of IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 cytokines (and/or higher ratio of IL-10/IL-17) despite comparable IFN-γ might be the reason for the superior protection in Ag-M720 group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tasmanian devils ( Sarcophilus harrisii ) risk extinction from a contagious cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) in which the infectious agent is the tumor cell itself. Because devils are unable to produce an immune response against the tumor cells no devil has survived ‘infection’. To promote an immune response we immunized healthy devils with killed DFTD tumor cells in the presence of adjuvants. Immune responses, including cytotoxicity and antibody production, were detected in five of the six devils. The incorporation of adjuvants that act via toll like receptors may provide additional signals to break ‘immunological ignorance’. One of these devils was protected against a challenge with viable DFTD cells. This was a short-term protection as re-challenge one year later resulted in tumor growth. These results suggest that Tasmanian devils can generate immune responses against DFTD cells. With further optimization of immune stimulation it should be possible to protect Tasmanian devils against DFTD with an injectable vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface adhesin P97 mediates the adherence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae to swine cilia. Two reiterated repeats R1 and R2 are located at the C-terminus of P97. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunogenicity of Montanide adjuvant IMS 1113 plus soluble subunit proteins rR1, rR1R2 and their chimeric forms coupled with B subunit of the heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (LTB). Each recombinant protein in this study was capable of eliciting anti-R1 specific humoral antibodies (IgG), mucosal antibodies (IgG and IgA) and IFN-γ production. The chimeric protein rLTBR1R2 elicited the quickest humoral antibody response among the recombinant proteins. Serum and bronchoalveolar lavage analysis revealed that each recombinant protein was capable of inducing both Th1 and Th2 responses. Importantly, all of the proteins induced an anti-R1-specific Th2-biased response in both humoral and mucosal compartments, similar to the response observed in a natural infection or vaccination process. These observations indicate that rR1, rR1R2, rLTBR1 and rLTBR1R2 with IMS 1113 might represent a promising subunit vaccine strategy against porcine enzootic pneumonia in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Porcine circovirus associated diseases (PCVADs) are economically important diseases of domestic pigs caused by porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). PCV2 vaccination is usually performed with adjuvanted inactivated formulations and is necessary to control PCVADs and subclinical PCV2 related body weight losses in pig farming. An important issue with PCV2 vaccine formulation is that PCV2 antigenic media often have properties which destabilize vaccine formulations. Vaccine adjuvants are a key parameter in modern vaccination closely linked to galenic properties of vaccine formulations, and galenic stability is necessary to insure efficacy stability during vaccine shelf life. Here we show that especially designed formulations based on MontanideTM ISA 11R VG (Oil in water) and MontanideTM ESSAI Gel R (polymer) adjuvants are able to resist to very destabilizing antigenic media and conditions while keeping safety parameters and efficacy at requested levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Water-in-mineral oil adjuvants induce a strong long-term humoral immune response and are widely used in poultry vaccines. New adjuvants that also increase the cellular immune response could help to extend the vaccinal cross- protection against different viral strains or serotypes. We have developed a new water-in-oil adjuvant, MontanideTM ISA 71 VG, based on a specific enriched light mineral oil which stimulates both humoral and cellular immune responses. Here, using a Newcastle Disease vaccine model, we demonstrate that this new adjuvant is safe, can improve vaccine efficacy in poultry and could allow the reduction of injection doses of inactivated poultry vaccines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. Despite extensive efforts, a vaccine that protects humans against UTI is currently missing. In this study, the immunogenicity of flagellin (FliC) of UPEC strain in different vaccine combinations with FimH antigen of UPEC and conventional adjuvant Montanide ISA 206 was assessed. Finally, efficacy of the immune responses was evaluated for protection of the bladder and kidney of challenged immunized mice. Mice immunized with the fusion FimH·FliC induced significantly higher anti-FliC humoral (IgG1) and cellular (Th1 and Th2) immune responses than with FliC alone or FliC admixed with FimH. The Montanide enhanced the immune responses of FliC antigen and directed the anti-FliC responses preferentially toward Th1. The FliC vaccine combinations reduced bladder infection as compared to control mice. The fusion FimH·FliC and FliC admixed with FimH and Montanide combinations gave the best results in protection of kidney infection, compared to the control mice. The results of this study propose new promising vaccine combinations based on the FliC antigen and Montanide against UTI caused by UPEC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is one of the most common infections in the world. Despite extensive efforts, a vaccine that confers protection against UTIs in human is currently lacking. In this study, the ability of flagellin (FliC), a Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) agonist of UPEC strain, and the conventional adjuvant Montanide ISA 206 to enhance the protective immune responses of FimH against urinary tract infection have been compared. Mice immunized with the fused FimH.FliC protein induced significantly higher humoral (IgG1 and IgG2a) and cellular (IFN-γ and IL-4) immune responses than with FimH alone or FimH admixed with FliC. The immune responses of Montanide formulations were comparable to that of the fusion protein and were significantly higher than that of FimH alone. Our results showed that based on the IgG1/IgG2a ratios, FliC directed the anti-FimH responses preferentially toward Th2 and Montanide toward Th1. The FimH.FliC fusion and FimH admixed with FliC and Montanide formulations gave the best results in protection of bladder colonization, compared to the control mice. The results propose new promising vaccine formulation based on the adjuvant properties of FliC and Montanide against UTI caused by UPEC strains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adjuvant emulsions are widely used to enhance the antibody response in animals used as immunoglobulin source to produce snake antivenoms. We tested the performance of four commercial emulsion adjuvants (Montanide, Freund, Carbigen, and Emulsigen-D) and an experimental adjuvant (QH-769) in the antibody response of horses towards venoms of the African snakes Bitis arietans , Echis ocellatus , Dendroaspis polylepis and Naja nigricollis . Montanide, Freund and Carbigen adjuvants generated the highest immune response but induced moderate/severe local lesions at the site of injection. In contrast, Emulsigen-D and QH-769 adjuvants generated the lowest immune response and low incidence of local lesions. No evidence of systemic alterations was observed in the horses immunized with any of the adjuvants. It is suggested that the use of Montanide or Freund-based emulsions in the first immunization steps, followed by the use of Emulsigen-D, QH-769 or similar adjuvants in the following injections, could result in a satisfactory immune response against snake venoms, while not inducing serious local deleterious effects., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Abstract: PRRSV live vaccines are widely used in pig farming practice and are usually not adjuvanted. For safety issues, it would be useful to reduce the antigenic load of such vaccines while preserving their efficacy. In this study we show that the addition of polymer or oil adjuvants in a PRRS live vaccine enhanced the protection to challenge of vaccinated animals compared to a non-adjuvanted commercial reference. Moreover, for both types of adjuvants, despite lower antibody titers, the protection to challenge given by the adjuvanted vaccine containing only 50% of the antigen load was equivalent to the protection given by the non-adjuvanted vaccine. These results demonstrate that the addition of relevant adjuvants can enhance the efficacy of the protection conferred to animals by live vaccines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Live vaccines are widely used in the avian industry. Such vaccines can be either injected or delivered on animal mucosa and are usually not adjuvanted. In this study we show that live vaccines efficacy can be improved by formulation with adjuvants in a model of mucosal delivery of live infectious bronchitis vaccine in chicken. Three adjuvant technologies have been tested using intranasal and spray delivery methods to poultry. Those technologies are water in oil in water emulsion, nanoparticles and polymer adjuvants. Intranasal delivery of polymer and nanoparticles adjuvanted live vaccines improved significantly the antibody titer and protection to challenge observed compared to a commercial non-adjuvanted reference. Moreover, spray delivery of the polymer adjuvanted vaccine showed a significantly higher protection compared to the non-adjuvanted reference. Our data demonstrates that the use of MontanideTM adjuvants in the formulation of live poultry vaccines for mucosal delivery can confer to vaccinated animals a significantly improved protection against pathogens. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: DepoVaxTM is a novel non-emulsion depot-forming vaccine platform with the capacity to significantly enhance the immunogenicity of peptide cancer antigens. Naturally processed HLA-A2 restricted peptides presented by breast, ovarian and prostate cancer cells were used as antigens to create a therapeutic cancer vaccine, DPX-0907. Methods: A phase I clinical study was designed to examine the safety and immune activating potential of DPX-0907 in advanced stage breast, ovarian and prostate cancer patients. A total of 23 late stage cancer patients were recruited and were divided into two dose/volume cohorts in a three immunization protocol. Results: DPX-0907 was shown to be safe with injection site reactions being the most commonly reported adverse event. All breast cancer patients (3/3), most of ovarian (5/6) and one third of prostate (3/9) cancer patients exhibited detectable immune responses, resulting in a 61% immunological response rate. Immune responses were generally observed in patients with better disease control after their last prior treatment. Antigen-specific responses were detected in 73% of immune responders (44% of evaluable patients) after the first vaccination. In 83% of immune responders (50% of evaluable patients), peptide-specific T cell responses were detected at ≥2 time points post vaccination with 64% of the responders (39% of evaluable patients) showing evidence of immune persistence. Immune monitoring also demonstrated the generation of antigen-specific T cell memory with the ability to secrete multiple Type 1 cytokines. Conclusions: The novel DepoVax formulation promotes multifunctional effector memory responses to peptide-based tumor associated antigens. The data supports the capacity of DPX-0907 to elicit Type-1 biased immune responses, warranting further clinical development of the vaccine. This study underscores the importance of applying vaccines in clinical settings in which patients are more likely to be immune competent. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01095848 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which monitored the in process quality control factors affecting the efficacy of hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) virus infected liver homogenate (HPS-LH) vaccine. Results show that the addition of adjuvant such as oil base or aluminum hydroxide gel (AHG) in the vaccine showed 4.6 additive effect on its efficacy. It was also found that the birds vaccinated with montanide based HPS-LH vaccine showed 100 percent protection to challenge infection. It concluded that the montanide is more effective adjuvant as compared to AHG.

Abstract: Subunit vaccination modalities tend to induce particular immune effector responses. Viral vectors are well known for their ability to induce strong T cell responses, while protein-adjuvant vaccines have been used primarily for induction of antibody responses. Here, we demonstrate in mice using a Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 (PfMSP1) antigen that novel regimes combining adenovirus and poxvirus vectored vaccines with protein antigen in Montanide ISA720 adjuvant can achieve simultaneous antibody and T cell responses which equal, or in some cases surpass, the best immune responses achieved by either the viral vectors or the protein vaccine alone. Such broad responses can be achieved either using three-stage vaccination protocols, or with an equally effective two-stage protocol in which viral vectors are admixed with protein and adjuvant, and were apparent despite the use of a protein antigen that represented only a portion of the viral vector antigen. We describe further possible advantages of viral vectors in achieving consistent antibody priming, enhanced antibody avidity, and cytophilic isotype skew. These data strengthen the evidence that tailored combinations of vaccine platforms can achieve desired combinations of immune responses, and further encourage the co-administration of antibody-inducing recombinant protein vaccines with T cell- and antibody-inducing recombinant viral vectors as one strategy that may achieve protective blood-stage malaria immunity in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to test, evaluate, and compare the immunogenicity of the S3 malarial short synthetic model peptide in Balb/c mice when it was delivered with different adjuvants. Specifically, it studied the adjuvanticity of two different particulate delivery systems, human compatible Montanide® ISA 720 w/o emulsion and poly-lactide-co-glycolide acid microparticles, in terms of the enhancement and sub-set type of the immune response elicited following immunization. Aditionally, conventional aluminum hydroxide gel adjuvant was included as a reference. Aluminum adjuvant failed to improve the lack of immunogenicity of this antigenic peptide on its own. On the other hand, Montanide and microparticles given subcutaneously resulted in effective adjuvants and revealed mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses, with moderate antibody and lymphoproliferative responses, and higher IFN- γ secretion for Montanide. Hence, microparticles administered intradermally (not possible with Montanide) elicited superior and potent antibody levels, including higher cytophilic isotype (IgG2a), and the greatest limphoproliferation and IFN- γ levels. The results here presented support the capability and suitability of microparticle delivery systems to reach the adequate adjuvanticity necessary for future malaria vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study aimed at optimizing the in process quality control factors to improve the effectiveness of the bird flu vaccine. Samples of lungs, trachea and fecal contents of dead broilers with history of respiratory syndrome were collected and transferred to the WTO Quality Operations Laboratory in Lahore, Pakistan. It concludes that Avian Influenza virus vaccine prepared from more than 4th passage had undetectable level of antibodies. It suggests that adjuvant inactivated AI virus vaccines induced higher anti-AIV-HI antibody titer that can protect birds from bird flue over a long period of time.

Abstract: The use of adjuvant is of fundamental importance in vaccines formulations and antisera production. Currently selection and use of adjuvant systems in snake antivenom preparation has become a major issue in terms of animal welfare as well as economics. In order to minimize disadvantages associated with traditionally used Freund''s adjuvant (FA) in equines and to produce potent polyvalent antivenom against four Indian snake venoms in minimum possible period, a comparison was made between various commercially available non-emulsion/emulsion based adjuvants like IMS 3012, ISA 206 and ISA 35 with Incomplete Freund''s adjuvant (IFA) for their immunopotentiation capacity and safety in donor animals. The present study was conducted in 33 new horses, randomly divided into four groups and hyperimmunized using crude mixture of snake venoms, viz.; Cobra venom (CV), Russell''s viper venom (RV), Krait venom (KV) and Saw-scaled viper (EV) along with four above mentioned adjuvants through subcutaneous (s.c.) route at intervals of two weeks. Periodic standard safety assessments were done. Immunopotentiation ability of each adjuvant group in terms of percent responders were estimated at 14th, 21st, 30th and 43rd week. The neutralization activity (ED50) of pooled sera samples by 43rd week, obtained with IMS 3012 group for CV, RV, KV and EV venoms were 0.133, 0.143, 0.070 and 0.270mg venom/ml of serum respectively. The antivenom potency with IMS 3012 and overall responding horses (100%) even against weak immunogen like CV was significantly higher (p <0.05) than other three adjuvants studied. The horses of IMS 3012 group showed minimum local reactions at injection site, while horses from other three groups exhibited moderate (++) reactions; 66.7% in ISA 206, 12.5% in ISA 35 and 14.3% in IFA respectively, however these were transient and reabsorbed or healed subsequently. Finally, we conclude that, nanoparticle adjuvant IMS 3012 could be a possible alternative to the emulsion adjuvants for primary phase of immunization in antivenom preparation considering its better immunopotentiation capacity and safety in donor animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The glutamate-rich protein (GLURP) of P. falciparum is the target of cytophilic antibodies which are significantly associated with protection against clinical malaria. A phase 1 clinical trial was conducted in healthy adult volunteers with the long synthetic peptide (LSP) GLURP85–213 combined with either Aluminum Hydroxide (Alum, 18 volunteers) or Montanide ISA 720 (ISA, 18 volunteers) as adjuvants. Immunizations with 10, 30 or 100μg GLURP85–213 were administered subcutaneously at days 0, 30, and 120. Adverse events occurred more frequently with increasing dosage of GLURP85–213 LSP and were more prevalent in the ISA group. Serious vaccine-related adverse events were not observed. The vaccine induced dose-dependent cellular and humoral immune responses, with high levels of (mainly cytophilic IgG1) antibodies that recognize parasites by immunofluorescence (IFA). Plasma samples collected 30 days after the last immunization induced a dose-dependent inhibition of parasite growth in vitro in the presence of monocytes. In conclusion, immunizations with GLURP85–213 LSP formulations induce adverse events but can be administered safely, generating antibodies with capacity to mediate growth-inhibitory activity against P. falciparum in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two inactivated antigens (Newcastle and Pasteurella Multocida) were formulated with different adjuvants and tested in two separate experiments in poultry. Oil formulations constituting water in oil (W/O) or water in oil in water (W/O/W) emulsions were assessed for antibody response, protection, local reactions, and vaccine physicochemical parameters. Robust, efficacious, and safe formulations were obtained with W/O formulations whereas W/O/W was especially safe with maintained efficacy. Results show that it is possible to improve traditional Tween Span formulations for safety and efficacy parameters by using Montanide™ ISA 70 for W/O formulations and Montanide™ ISA 206 for W/O/W when safety is the priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study on the efficiency of montanide and aluminum hydroxide gel (Al-gel) adjuvants in the development of humoral and cellular immunity for a bluetongue (BT) inactivated vaccine. The study found that montanide adjuvanted vaccine was slightly more potent when compared with Algel adjuvanted vaccine in eliciting neutralizing antibodies, and no significant difference in cell mediated immune (CMI) response for both.

Abstract: Amphiphilic molecules, called surfactants, are made of a lipophilic part linked to a hydrophilic part. These substances have physicochemical properties of self-aggregation, solubilisation or emulsification. Their ability to be attracted at the same time by polar and non-polar compounds forces them to be at the interface. Surfactants most frequently used in vaccines can be of natural or synthetic origin, non-ionic, cationic or amphoteric with a formula weight between 600 and 4000g/mol. They can be used as adjuvants, solubilisers or stabilisers of emulsions. Physicochemical properties are defined through solubility parameters or solution behaviours and hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB). Application properties are assessed through placebo formulations simulating the final use. Synthetic products are preferred to products of natural origin for quality reasons. Development of a new generation of surfactant with precise chemical definition and consistency may generate new candidates for potential vaccine adjuvants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Montanide ISA™51 (ISA 51) is a vaccine adjuvant which has been tested in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccine trials. The aim of this review is to present a comprehensive examination of the safety and tolerability of ISA 51 containing vaccines. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and clinicaltrials.gov . Eligible studies were categorized into: (A) uncontrolled studies with non-healthy subjects, (B) controlled studies with non-healthy subjects, and (C) controlled studies with healthy subjects. Reported adverse events (AEs) were assessed. 91 studies were included in our review. Generally observed AEs included injection site reaction; injection site pain; myalgia; headache; gastro-intestinal disorders; fatigue and fever - regardless of the administration route and subject characteristic. Specific AEs, e.g. injection site reactions and rash, were more frequently reported from subjects receiving ISA 51-adjuvanted vaccines than from subjects receiving antigen or ISA 51 only. The reported AEs were mainly mild to moderate in intensity. Serious AEs (SAEs) were reported in 27% of the uncontrolled trials and 2 trials conducted with healthy subjects. Notably, 2 other trials conducted with healthy subjects were stopped due to unacceptable AEs. Some studies indicate that the mixing procedure of antigen and adjuvant might influence the occurrence of AEs. Reports on SAEs and premature termination of 2 trials advise caution when using ISA 51. Yet, AEs might be preventable by proper mixing of vaccine and adjuvant to a stable emulsion. Trials including an active control group are needed for a fair evaluation of adjuvant safety.