Chitosan-DNA nanoparticles enhancing the immune response of Helicobacter pylori Lpp20 DNA vaccine following the mucosal immunization
Objective To investigate the immune response of mucosal immunization of new chitosan(CS) nanoparticles coating DNA vaccine. Methods The chitosan nanoparticles containing plasmid DNA encoding H. pylori lipoprotein Lpp20 gene were prepared using a complex coacervation method and then its speciality were analyzed. We then administered the naked plasmid DNA and chitosan-DNA nanoparticles to 6-week-old female BALB/c mice by intranasal or oral mucosal routes to observe the humoral and cellular immune responses. Results Naked plasmid pcDNA3.1 ( + )/Lpp20 and chitosan-pcDNA3. 1 ( + )/Lpp20 nanoparticles both induced effective immune response in mice through mucosal vaccination. Specific IgG and sIgA antibodies of chitosan-pcDNA3. 1 ( + )/Lpp20 nanoparticles groups were higher than that of naked pcDNA3.1 ( + )/Lpp20 group. The concentration of cytokines IFN-γ and IL-4 in cultural supernatant of T lymphocytes from chitosan-pcDNA3. 1 ( + )/Lpp20 nanoparticles immunized mice increased greatly than that of control groups. After stimulated by corresponding antigen, the stimulation index of intranasal or oral delivery of chitosan-pcDNA3. 1 ( + )/Lpp20 nanoparticles group was significantly higher than that of pcDNA3.1( + )/Lpp20 group, CS group and PBS control group. Moreover, systemic and mucosal immune responses in mice induced by intranasal immunization were stronger than that of oral immunization. Conclusion Chitosan nanoparticles enhanced the immune response of pcDNA3.1 ( + )/Lpp20 DNA vaccine by intranasal or oral administration in BALB/c mice. Compared to oral administration, intranasal delivery of chitosan-pcDNA3.1 ( + )/Lpp20 DNA nanoparticles could induce stronger cellular and humoral immune responses in BALB/c mice. 
 
Key words: 
Chitosan nanoparticles;  Helicobacter pylori;  Lpp20;  DNA vaccine;  Immunogenicity