Surface-engineered cubosomes serve as a novel vaccine adjuvant to modulate innate immunity and improve adaptive immunity in vivo

Abstract

Objective: Recent studies have revealed the adjuvant activity of cubosomes and their potential utility as an antigen delivery system. In this study, to further enhance the adjuvant activity of cubosomes, two cationic polymers are modified on the surface of cubosomes. Methods: Here, we exploit the effects of surface chemistry on the adjuvant activity of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide cubosomes (GLPC) by placing two kinds of molecules, that is, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and poly(diallydimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDDAC), on their surface. Results: CTAB-or PDDAC-modified GLPC were found to significantly promote humoral and cellular immune responses, as well as the proliferation of CD3+ CD4+ or CD3+ CD8+T cells through the powerful activation of dendritic cells (DCs). The enhanced immune responses of PDDAC-modified GLPC might be attributed to the maturation of DCs into draining lymph nodes and the activation of spleen and cytokines in serum. Conclusion: PDDAC modification is beneficial for enhancing humoral and cellular immune response, suggesting that PDDAC-GLPC-OVA has the ability to be a potential adjuvant for vaccine.