METHOD OF MODULATING MUCOSAL IMMUNOGENICITY

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a novel method for modulating mucosal immune response, comprising administering an antigen to a mucosal site of a subject in need thereof, and administering an immunomodulator to a different anatomical mucosal site of said subject. The antigen may be administered to sublingual mucosa and the immunomodulator may be administered to intranasal mucosa. An immune response involving production of IgG and IgA against the antigen may be elicited.

Claims

1. A method of modulating mucosal immune response, comprising administering an antigen to a mucosal site of a subject in need thereof, and administering an immunomodulator to a different anatomical mucosal site of said subject.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the antigen is an immunogen.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the antigen is a vaccine.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the antigen is an allergen.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the antigen is biological.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the mucosal site is selected from sublingual mucosa, intranasal mucosa, respiratory track mucosa, oral mucosa, vaginal mucosa, rectal mucosa or any other anatomical mucosa.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the immunomodulator does not induce IL6 production from cells is in contact with.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the immune response includes production of antigen-specific IgG and its subclasses.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the immune response includes production of antigen-specific Ig M and its subclasses.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the immune response includes production of antigen-specific IgA and its subclasses.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the immune response includes production of antigen-specific cell-mediated immunity.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the immune response is therapeutically effective.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the immune response involves upregulation of immune components.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the immune response involves downregulation of immune components.

15. The method of claim 6, wherein the antigen is administered to sublingual mucosa and the immunomodulator is administered to intranasal mucosa.

16. The method of claim 3, wherein the vaccine is seasonal influenza vaccine.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the seasonal influenza vaccine is an influenza A virus-like vaccine or influenza B virus-like vaccine.

18. The method of claim 4, wherein the allergen is dust mite extracts or pollen extracts.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the pollen is ragweed pollen.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the immunomodulator is detoxified Escherichia coli labile toxin (LT), LTh(αK), Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) agonists or antagonists, Vaxfectin, or pattern recognition receptors (PRR) agonists or antagonists.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the immunomodulator is LTh(αK).

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the antigen and the immunomodulator are sequentially administered.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIGS. 1A-F illustrate antigen-specific immunogenic effect from sublingual vaccinated split influenza B vaccine (B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus) in conjunction with or without intranasally delivered LTh(αK). Serum (A-D) and nasal wash (E, F) from mice were collected on 14 days post-immunization; and the titers to influenza-B IgG (A, B) and IgA (C-F) were analyzed. The X axis indicates the dosages of HA antigen of Flu B and LTh(αK) in each immunization. Both C57BL/6 (A, C, and E) and Balb/c (B, D, and F) strains were subjected to this study. All animals received three weekly administrations. Serum anti-influenza-B immunoglobulin G and nasal wash anti-influenza-B immunoglobulin A were enhanced following sublingual administration of influenza-B antigens in conjunction with intranasal administration of LTh(αK).

[0021] FIGS. 2A-F illustrate antigen-specific immunogenic effects from sublingual vaccinated influenza A (H3N2) vaccine (A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus) in conjunction with or without intranasally delivered LTh(αK). Serum (A-D) and nasal wash (E, F) were collected on 14 days post-immunization and the titers to influenza-H3N2 IgG (A, B) and IgA (C-F) were analyzed. The X axis indicates the dosages of HA antigen of H3N2 and LTh(αK) in each immunization. Both C57BL/6 (A, C and E) and Balb/c (B, D and F) strains were subjected to this study. All animals received three weekly administrations. Serum anti-Flu (A/H3N2) immunoglobulin G, serum anti-Flu (A/H3N2) immunoglobulin A and nasal wash anti-Flu (A/H3N2) immunoglobulin A were enhanced following sublingual administration of Flu antigens in conjunction with intranasal administration of LTh(αK).

[0022] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate antigen-specific immunogenic effects from sublingual administered allergens (HDM, purchased from Greer Laboratories, catalog number: XPB70D3A2.5), in conjunction with or without intranasally administered LTh(αK) following additional HDM challenges. Serum (A) and nasal wash (B) were collected; and IgG (A) and IgA (B) titers to HDM were analyzed. The treatment lasted two weeks. The X axis indicates the dosages of HDM and LTh(αK), and the total number of treatments. Balb/c mice were subjected to this study.

[0023] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate antigen-specific immunogenic effects from two rounds of sublingually delivered allergens (ragweed, purchased from Greer Laboratories, catalog number: XP56D3A25), in conjunction with or without intranasally delivered LTh(αK) treatments, and an additional ragweed-only treatment followed by ragweed challenges via intranasal route. Mouse sera were collected at the end of study and ragweed-specific IgG titers were analyzed. Each treatment round lasted two weeks. The X axis indicates the dosages of ragweed and LTh(αK), and the total number of treatments. In each treatment, ragweed or LTh((K) was administered 6 times. In the challenge phase, ragweed was administered 5 times daily. C57BL/6 (A) and Balb/c (B) mice were subjected to this study.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the present invention shall have the meaning commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The meaning and scope of the terms should be clear; however, in the event of any latent ambiguity, definitions provided herein take precedence over any dictionary or extrinsic definition.

[0025] As utilized in accordance with the present disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings.

[0026] The terms “modulating” and “modulation” used herein refer to the regulation of a condition, level, or amount. The regulation may be upregulation or downregulation.

[0027] The term “mucosal immune response” used herein refers to immune responses that are induced at the mucosa. For example, mucosal immune response includes, but is not limited to, antigen-specific immunoglobulin G and its subclasses, immunoglobulin A and its subclasses, immunoglobulin M and its subclasses and cell-mediated immunity to immunized antigens.

[0028] The term “mucosal site” as used herein refers to any anatomical mucosa covered with mucosal epithelium. For example, the mucosal site may be sublingual mucosa, intranasal mucosa, respiratory track mucosa, oral mucosa, vaginal mucosa, rectal mucosa or other anatomical mucosa.

[0029] The term “adjuvant” used herein may be interchangeable with “immunomodulator” and refers to a pharmacological or immunological agent that modifies the immune response to specific-antigens. For example, an adjuvant may be detoxified LT, LTh(αK), Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) agonists or antagonists, Vaxfectin, or pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonists or antagonists.

[0030] The term “immunomodulator” as used herein refers to a pharmacological or immunological agent that modifies the immunity and ultimately changes the outcome of immunogenicity to specific antigens/allergens. For example, an immunomodulator may be detoxified LT or Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) agonists.

[0031] The term “subject” as used herein denotes animals, especially mammals. In one preferred embodiment, the term “subject” denotes humans.

[0032] Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include the plural and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0033] The inventors of the invention surprisingly found that, contrary to the traditional way of mixing adjuvant with antigen for enhancing a specific immune response, separately administering the immunomodulator and antigen to different mucosal sites can significantly enhance desirable mucosal immune response. In addition, it is not required to administer the immunomodulator and antigen at the same time. The antigen and immunomodulator may be administered sequentially with interval within minutes to days as described herein. The present invention provides a novel role of immunomodulator in mucosal immunity and may facilitate the development of novel mucosal vaccine administration beyond traditional means.

[0034] Having now generally described the invention, the same may be more readily understood through reference to the following examples, which provide exemplary protocol for performing the method of the present invention in modulating mucosal immune response. The examples are offered for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (e.g., amounts, temperatures, etc.), but some experimental error and deviation should, of course, be allowed for.

EXAMPLES

[0035] Mice used in the subsequent examples were female, purchased from BioLASCO Taiwan Co., Ltd. and housed under specific-pathogen-free (SPF) conditions. Studies were initiated at 8 weeks of age. For sublingual administration, mice were lightly anesthetized by inhaling isoflurane, and then sublingually administered with a single 12 μL treatment in a secured lying position for 25 seconds. For intranasal administration, mice received a single volume of 2.5 μL of treatment to each nostril. Both Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice were used in Examples 1 to 4.

Example 1: Evaluation of the Immunogenic Effects of the Mucosal Immunomodulator LTh(αK) for the Influenza B Vaccine

[0036] In FIG. 1, mice received sublingually administered Flu B and some received intranasally administered LTh(αK) as co-treatment through intranasal route (FIG. 1). In the first group, each mouse received 20 μg of Flu B sublingually. In the 2, 3, and 4 groups, mice received 20, 10, and 5 μg of Flu B, respectively, through sublingual route in conjunction with 5 μg of LTh(αK) intranasally. In all groups, treatments were given one week apart for a total of three treatments.

[0037] Blood and nasal wash from the studied mice were collected at 14 days post-treatment. The anti-Flu B IgG and IgA were assayed by ELISA. The results are shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] LTh(αK) administered through intranasal route enhanced the humoral and mucosal immunity against sublingually administered Flu B vaccine (FIGS. 1A-D). Flu B was a poor mucosal immunogen as it induced low titers of serum Flu B-specific IgG and minimal IgA following sublingual administration (group 1, FIGS. 1A-D). Additional LTh(αK) via intranasal route enhanced the serum Flu B-specific IgG and IgA titers. The enhancement of Flu B-specific IgG and IgA was revealed on two strains of mice (FIGS. 1A-D). Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice have been known to demonstrate biased immunological responses toward Th2 and Th1, respectively. The above results of the immunologically distinct mice suggest that animals with different immunogenetic backgrounds may be applicable in the present invention.

[0039] Mucosal-specific anti-Flu B IgA was revealed only in groups co-treated with LTh(αK) (FIGS. 1C-F). IgA is the hallmark of mucosal immunity and the frontline to defend against most infections. When Flu B was administered alone by sublingual route, Flu B-specific IgAs were not enhanced (groups 1, FIGS. 1C-E).

[0040] In conclusion, the administration of LTh(αK) by intranasal route significantly enhanced Flu B-specific IgG and IgA titers induced by SL administration. The same results were revealed on both Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice.

Example 2: Evaluation of the Immunogenic Effects of the Mucosal Immunomodulator LTh(αK) for the Influenza A Vaccine

[0041] In FIG. 2, mice received sublingually administered Flu A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus vaccine (Flu A) and some received co-treatment of intranasally administered LTh(αK) (FIG. 2). In the first group, each mouse received 20 μg of Flu A sublingually. In the 2, 3, and 4 groups, mice received 20, 10, and 5 μg of Flu A, respectively, through sublingual route in conjunction with 5 μg of LTh(αK) intranasally. In all groups, treatments were given one week, separately, for a total of three treatments.

[0042] Blood and nasal wash from the studied animals were collected at 14 days post-immunization for all mice. Anti-Flu A IgG and IgA were assayed by ELISA. The results are shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] LTh(αK) administered through intranasal route enhanced the humoral and mucosal immunity against sublingually administered Flu A vaccine (FIGS. 2A-D). Flu A is a poor mucosal immunogen as it induced low titers of serum Flu A-specific IgG and minimal IgA following sublingual administration (group 1, FIGS. 2A-D). Additional LTh(αK) via intranasal route enhanced the serum Flu A-specific IgG and IgA titers. The enhancement of Flu A-specific IgG and IgA was revealed on both strains of mice (FIGS. 2A-D). Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice have been known to demonstrate biased immunological responses toward Th2 and Th1, respectively. The above results of the immunologically distinct mice suggest that animals with different immunogenetic backgrounds may be applicable in the present invention.

[0044] Mucosal-specific anti-Flu A IgA was revealed only in groups co-treated with LTh(αK) (FIGS. 2C-F). IgA is the hallmark of mucosal immunity and the frontline to defend against most infections. When Flu A was administered alone by sublingual route, Flu A-specific IgAs were not enhanced (groups 1, FIGS. 2C-E).

[0045] In conclusion, the administration of LTh(αK) by intranasal route significantly enhanced Flu A-specific IgG and IgA titers induced by SL administration. The same results were revealed on both Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice.

Example 3: Evaluation of the Immunogenic Effects of the Mucosal Immunomodulator LTh(αK) for the House Dust Mite Extract

[0046] Mice were pre-treated with HDM extract, which was purchased from Stallergenes Greer (XPB70D3A2.5), via sublingual route with or without immunomodulator (LTh(αK)) co-treatment by intranasal route. To simulate the allergic reactions, following pretreatment, mice s were sensitized once intratracheally and challenged five times intranasally with HDM extract. Blood samples and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected on 4 days post final challenge and HDM-specific IgG and IgA were assayed by ELISA.

[0047] The results showed that intranasal administration of LTh(αK) enhanced humoral and mucosal immunity to sublingually and intranasally administered HDM extract (FIGS. 3A and 3B). Group 1 was the positive control group. Mice of this group received intranasal HDM extract for sensitization and challenges without prior HDM extract treatment. Group 2 was the healthy control group. Mice in this group received neither treatment nor challenge. Group 3 was the allergen immunotherapy (AIT) group. Mice of this group received 10 doses of sublingual HDM extract treatment in two weeks prior to intranasal HDM extract sensitization and challenge. Group 4 was the LTh(αK) control group. Mice of this group received 6 doses of LTh(αK) treatment via intranasal route in two weeks, followed by intranasal HDM extract sensitization and challenges. Groups 5 to 8 were co-treatment groups. Mice of these groups received co-treatment of HDM extract and LTh(αK) at various quantities via sublingual and intranasal routes, respectively, followed by intranasal HDM extract sensitization and challenges. The results demonstrate significantly elevated anti-HDM IgG in serum and IgA in BALF in groups with intranasal co-treatment of LTh(αK).

Example 4: Evaluation of the Immunogenic Effect of the Mucosal Immunomodulator LTh(αK) for the Ragweed Pollen Extract

[0048] To demonstrate the effectiveness of LTh(αK) in enhancing anti-pollen IgG, four groups of mice were given three sublingual rounds of ragweed pollen extract (ragweed) with or without co-treatment of intranasal LTh(αK), followed by airway challenges by ragweed (FIG. 4). In the first round of treatment, group 1 received 6 sublingual doses of ragweed at 40 μg each without LTh(αK). Groups 2, 3, and 4 received 40, 20, and 10 μg of sublingual ragweed, respectively, in conjunction with 5 μg of LTh(αK) intranasally. In the second round, which started 9 days after the end of first treatment round, the mice of group 1 had an additional 6 doses of intranasal ragweed at 10 μg each over two weeks. Groups 2, 3, and 4 received sublingual dosing of 10 μg ragweed and co-treatment of 5 μg LTh(αK) intranasally. The third round was initiated on 11 days after the 2.sup.nd treatment. This is an AIT-like treatment, and the animals were dosed 6 times sublingually only with ragweed. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, groups 1 and 2 received 40 μg and groups 3 and 4 had 20 and 10 μg of ragweed, respectively. The final challenge started on the 11.sup.th day after the third treatment round. In the challenge, the animals received five repeated intranasal ragweed at 15 μg each followed by specimen collection. Balb/c and C57BL6 mice have been known to demonstrate biased immunological responses toward Th2 and Th1, respectively. The above results of the immunologically distinct mice suggest that animals with different immunogenetic backgrounds may be applicable in the present invention. Based on such results, it is concluded that the amounts of anti-ragweed IgG in both Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice were elevated by co-treatment of LTh(αK). In addition, IgG enhancement to allergen lasted weeks after treatment of LTh(αK).

[0049] Ragweed in this study was purchased from Stallergenes Greer (XPB56D3A25). Blood samples were collected from pre-immune, and from a week post-treatment and final challenge. Ragweed-specific IgGs were assayed by ELISA.