Biodegradable microparticles as a delivery system for measles virus cytotoxic T cell epitopes

Abstract

Cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) responses are likely to be important for the clearance of a measles virus (MV) infection. To induce CTL responses, replicating vectors have generally been used but the use of such vectors in humans may be problematic, and immunization with synthetic peptides may be more appropriate. We have investigated the potential of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microparticles as a delivery system for a CTL epitope representing residues 51–59 from MV nucleoprotein. After a single intraperitoneal injection in saline of the encapsulated epitope, CTL responses to the homologous peptide and MV were detected over a period of 4 months. Responses reached a maximum 30 days after priming and were maintained at high levels for 120 days. These responses were higher than those observed when the CTL epitope was administered in saline or as an emulsion in Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant. The pronounced immunostimulatory effect of microparticles, combined with their excellent tissue compatibility and biodegradability suggests that they represent a valuable delivery system for synthetic peptide immunogens.