Nasal Immunization with Lactobacillus casei and Pneumococcal Antigen
Author Information
Author(s): Elisa Vintiñi, Marcela S. Medina
Primary Institution: Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos (CERELA-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina
Hypothesis
Can a combination of pneumococcal antigen with Lactobacillus casei as a nasal adjuvant trigger protective immune responses against pneumococcal infection?
Conclusion
Nasal immunization with live and heat-killed Lactobacillus casei associated with a pneumococcal antigen provides effective protection against pneumococcal infection in mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Nasal immunization with PppA+LcV and PppA+LcM induced high levels of specific antibodies.
- Immunization with PppA alone produced very low mucosal and serum anti-PppA responses.
- Both live and heat-killed L. casei enhanced the antigen-specific immune response.
- Nasal immunization significantly reduced pathogen counts in nasal lavages.
- Survival of mice immunized with PppA+LcV and PppA+LcM was significantly higher than controls.
Takeaway
This study shows that giving a special vaccine through the nose, along with good bacteria, helps protect against a common lung infection.
Methodology
Young mice were nasally immunized with a mixture of pneumococcal antigen and Lactobacillus casei, and their immune responses were assessed over time.
Limitations
The results obtained in animal models do not guarantee their effectiveness in humans.
Participant Demographics
Young mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website