Characterization and in vitro activities of cell-free antigens from Histoplasma capsulatum-loaded biodegradable microspheres

Author(s)

dos Santos, Daiane F. ^[1] ; Nicolete, Roberto ^[1] ; de Souza, Patricia R. M. ^[2] ; Bitencourt, Claudia da S. ^[1] ; dos Santos Junior, Rubens R. ^[2] ; Bonato, Vania L. D. ^[2] ; Silva, Celio L. ^[2] ; Faccioli, Lucia H. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, Dept Anal Clin Toxicol & Bromatol, BR-14040903 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Bioquim & Imunol, BR-14049900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences; v. 38, n. 5, p. 548-555, DEC 8 2009.
• Web of Science Citations: 8

Abstract

In the last decades, the incidence of histoplasmosis, a pulmonary fungal disease caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, has increased worldwide. In this context, vaccines for the prevention of this infection or therapies are necessary. Cell-free antigens (CFAgs) from H. capsulatum when administered for murine immunization purposes are able to confer protection and control of the infection, since they activate cellular immunity. However the most of vaccination procedures need several anti, gens administrations and immunoadjuvants, which are not approved for use in humans. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a vaccination approach using biodegradable PLGA microspheres (MS) that could allow the controlled and/or sustained release of the encapsulated antigens from H. capsulatum. CFAgs-loaded MS presented a size less than 10 mu m, were marked engulfed by bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM phi) and induced the nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by these cells. Our data show that CFAgs-loaded MS induce cell activation, suggesting an immunostimulant effect to be further investigated during immunization procedures. CFAgs-loaded MS present potential to be used as vaccine in order to confer protection against H. capsulatum infection. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/01898-2 - In vitro activities of leucotriene B4 and/or cell-free antigens from Histoplasma capsulatum entrapped into biodegradable microspheres on macrophages
• Grantee: Daiane Fernanda dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 02/12856-2 - Modulation of innate and acquired immune responses by leukotrienes and prostaglandins
• Grantee: Lúcia Helena Faccioli
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants