Immunoliposomes containing Soluble Leishmania Antigens (SLA) as a novel antigen delivery system in murine model of leishmaniasis

Development of new generation of vaccines against leishmaniasis requires adjuvants to elicit the type and intensity of immune response needed for protection. The coupling of target-specific antibodies to the liposomal surface to create immunoliposomes has appeared as a promising way in achieving a liposome active targeting. In this study, immunoliposomes were prepared by grafting non-immune mouse IgG onto the liposomal surface. The influence of active targeted immunoliposomes on the type and intensity of generated immune response against Leishmania was then investigated and compared with that of liposomes and control groups which received either SLA or HEPES buffer alone. All formulations contained SLA and were used to immunize the mice in the left hind footpad three times in 3-week intervals. Evaluation of lesion development and parasite burden in the foot and spleen after challenge with Leishmania major, evaluation of Thl cytokine (IFN-gamma), and titration of IgG isotypes were carried out to assess the type of generated immune response and the extent of protection. The results indicated that liposomes might be effective adjuvant systems to induce protection against L major challenge in BALB/c mice, but stronger cell mediated immune responses were induced when immunoliposomes were utilized. Thus, immune modulation using immunoliposomes might be a practical approach to improve the immunization against L. major. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.