Enhancement of immunogenic response and protection in model rats by CSTM nanoparticles anticaries DNA vaccine

Abstract

Aim: To construct anticaries DNA vaccine and evaluate its ability to elicit mucosal and systemic immune responses in rats. Materials & methods: wapA fragment was cloned into pVAX1 plasmid to generate pVAX1-wapA. The pVAX1-wapA/trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by complex coacervation method. Results: Significantly higher specific IgG antibody titers were observed in rats immunized with nanoparticles compared with rats immunized with naked pVAX1-wapA. Anti-WapA IgA and IgG antibody levels after intranasal immunization were significantly higher than those following intramuscular delivery of nanoparticles or naked pVAX1-wapA. Furthermore, fewer enamel, slight dentin and dentin moderate lesions were observed in rats immunized with nanoparticles. Conclusion: The results implicate WapA as an excellent candidate for anticaries vaccine development and nanoparticles as an effective delivery system.