Facilitated production of secretory IgA against Shiga toxin B subunits by intranasal application of antigen-coated polystyrene microspheres

Abstract

We examined the effects of microspheres as antigen carriers in mucosal immunization. Shiga toxin B subunits (Stx1B) were adsorbed on 6 μm polystyrene microspheres, which were then intranasally administered to mice together with cholera toxin (CT). Stx1B-specific serum IgG production and secretory IgA production at local mucosal sites were enhanced by the use of microspheres. When OVA was used as a model antigen, secretory IgA production but not serum IgG production was enhanced on the use of microspheres. These results indicated that microspheres provide a useful means of potentiating the immune response against Stx1B with weak immunogenicity.