Study of the adjuvant properties of the cell pertussis vaccine in combination with the antigen PspA of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Author(s)

Fernanda Aparecida de Lima

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2012-06-25

Examining board members

Maria Leonor Sarno de Oliveira; Waldir Pereira Elias Junior; Lucila Okuyama Fukasawa

• Advisor: Maria Leonor Sarno de Oliveira

Abstract

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a pathogen that causes respiratory infections leading to the death of 1 million children per year, worldwide. Here, the adjuvant property of the whole cell pertussis vaccine (wP) in combination with the PspA5 antigen from S. pneumoniae was evaluated in animal models. Combinations of PspA5 with wP, wPlow (whole cell pertussis vaccine with low amount of LPS) or with the DTPlow vaccine were inoculated in mice by nasal or subcutaneous routes. The protective response induced by nasal immunization with PspA5-wP and PspA5-wPlow against the lethal challenge with pneumococci was characterized by increased systemic and mucosal anti-PspA5 antibodies and influx of TCD4+, TCD8+ and B cells in the lungs of mice. The subcutaneous inoculation of PspA5-DTPlow also protected against the lethal challenge with pneumococci and the response was characterized by increased levels of systemic and mucosal anti-PspA5 IgG. There was no prejudice to the responses against diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis when PspA5 was combined with DTPlow. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/12501-9 - Adjuvant properties of Whole Cell Pertussis and BCG vaccines in combination with the Streptococcus pneumoniar PspA antigen.
• Grantee: Fernanda Aparecida de Lima
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master