ARCHAEOSOMES AS ADJUVANTS AND CARRIERS FOR ACELLULAR VACCINES TO INDUCE CYTOTOXIC T LYMPHOCYTE (CTL) RESPONSES

摘要

The invention provides methods and compositions useful for inducing major histocompatibility complex class-I (MHC-I)-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response in a mammalian host immunized with acellular (non-replicating) antigen. The methods comprise using a liposome, an archaeosome, comprising a polar lipid extract of an archaeobacterium as both immune modulator and carrier for the non-replicating antigen. In addition to a strong antigen-specific CTL response, the archaeosome adjuvant elicits CD4<+> Th1, CD4<+> Th2 (antibody), and memory responses to the acellular antigen in the vaccine composition. The invention provides methods for mounting a rapid, and a long lasting protective immunity in the vaccinated host against infections caused by intracellular pathogens, especially those that require the host to mount an antigen-specific CD8<+> T cell immune response for the protection. The methods of the invention are also useful in, but not restricted to, vaccines for preventing or reducing growth of solid tumors.