A single nasal dose of CCL20 chemokine induces dendritic cell recruitment and enhances nontypable Haemophilus influenzae-specific immune responses in the nasal mucosa

Abstract

Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate the potential of CCL20 as an effective mucosal adjuvant and suggest that nasal vaccination with P6 in combination with nasal CCL20 might be an effective regimen for the induction of nontypable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi)-specific protective immunity. Objectives: Nasal vaccination is an effective therapeutic regimen for preventing upper respiratory infections. In the development of nasal vaccine, an appropriate adjuvant is required. In the present study we examined the efficacy of CCL20 as a mucosal adjuvant. Methods: CCL20 was administered intranasally to mice, which were then immunized intranasally with P6 protein of NTHi, and P6-specific immune responses were examined. In addition, NTHi challenges were performed and the level of NTHi was quantified in nasal washes. Results: Nasal application of CCL20 induced an increase in the number of dendritic cells in nasal-associated lymphoid tissue. P6-specific nasal wash immunoglobulin (Ig)A and serum IgG titers were elevated significantly after nasal immunization. Enhanced NTHi clearance from the nasopharynx was also observed.