Intranasal administration of plasmid DNA-coated nanoparticles results in enhanced immune responses

Intranasal immunization offers potential for the elicitation of effective mucosal and systemic immune responses. in this study, a previously reported novel cationic nanoparticle engineered from a microemulsion precursor was further modified, optimized and applied intranasally to mice to explore its potential as a plasmid DNA (pDNA) vaccine delivery system. To this end, more uniform nano-particles (around 100 nm) containing less cationic surfactant were developed. The pDNA-coated nanoparticles significantly enhanced the specific serum IgG and IgA titres to an expressed model antigen, beta-galactosidase, by 18-28 and 25-30 fold, respectively, when compared with naked pDNA alone. An enhanced splenocyte proliferative response was also observed after immunization with the pDNA-coated nanoparticles. it was concluded that these plasmid DNA-coated nanoparticles may have potential for immunization via the nasal route.