Induction of immune tolerance in mice with a novel mucosal nanoemulsion adjuvant and self-antigen

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel nanoemulsion (NE) adjuvant, a soybean oil emulsion, on autoimmune response. To this end, we used murine thyroglobulin (mTg)-induced experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in mice as a study model. Materials & methods: Mice received NE or NE + mTg by nasal delivery. At 1 week after the second nasal delivery of NE with or without mTg, all mice were immunized with mTg and lipopolysaccharides to induce experimental autoimmune thyroiditis. Results: Compared with controls, mTg–NE-treated mice had much more antigens accumulated in the nasal passage and thymus and developed a milder form of thyroiditis. This was accompanied by an increase in IL-10, IL-17 and reduced IFN-γ. The production of anti-mTg antibodies was significantly decreased in mTg–NE-treated mice. The percentage of Tregs in cervical lymph nodes was higher in mTg–NE-treated mice than NE-treated mice. Furthermore, Foxp3 and TGF-β levels were prominently enhanced in mTg–NE-treated mice. Conclusion: This study indicates that a low dose of mTg in NE can significantly enhance antigen uptake and Tregs, resulting in inhibition of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis development. Original submitted 17 September 2011; Revised submitted 5 December 2011; Published online 15 March 2012