Association complexes between ovalbumin and cyclodextrins have no effect on the immunological properties of ovalbumin

Delivery systems are designed to deliver necessary amounts of drugs without modifying their biological features. Cyclodextrins (CD) are potential candidates for such a role due to their ability to alter physical and chemical properties of guest molecules by the formation of inclusion/association complexes. They have already been used to stabilize and solubilize peptides and proteins of biological importance. However, no systematic study has been reported on their immunological effects upon coupling to such proteins. Herein, we prepared and characterized the association complexes between alpha-, beta- and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and ovalbumin (Ova). Afterward we tested the 14 effect of CD coupling in the Ova antigenicity and the immunological effects of CD coupling on Ova oral and subcutaneous administration. Our results clearly show that CD-coupled Ova elicits the same immunological activities as uncoupled Ova. Therefore, we conclude that CDs are immunologically safe for use as delivery systems in animals. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.