Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA) and Polyactic Acid Nanoparticles as Adjuvents for Peroral Vaccines

The possibility of an oral vaccination with deglycosilated chain-A ricin DGCA-nanoparticles was investigated. Oral vaccination with DGCA in form of a solution or adsorbed to polymethyl methacrylate nanoparticles PMMA nanoparticles suspended in an aqueous medium leads to an about 5 protection of mice after an aerosol challenge with ricin. All other nanoparticle products, including suspension in a hydrophobic vehicle paraffin or the employment of polylactic acid did not achieve a significant protection. Protection did not correlate at all with ELISA antibodies against ricin after oral as well as subcutaneous vaccination. Peroral absorption studies with 125I-deglycosilated chain-A ricin using auto radiography as well as liquid scintillation counting indicated a slightly higher but short-lived uptake into the residual body after adsorption of the antigen to PMMA nanoparticles suspended in saline.