DODAB:monoolein liposomes containing Candida albicans cell wall surface proteins: a novel adjuvant and delivery system

Abstract

We describe the preparation and characterization of DODAB:MO-based liposomes and demonstrate their adjuvant potential and use in antigen delivery. Liposomes loaded with Candida albicans proteins assembled as stable negatively charged spherical nanoparticles with a mean size of 280 nm. High adsorption efficiency (91.0 ± 9.0%) is attained with high lipid concentrations. The nanoparticles were non-toxic, avidly taken up by macrophage cells and accumulated in membrane rich regions with an internalization time of 20 min. Immunized mice displayed strong humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, producing antibodies (IgGs) against specific cell wall proteins, Cht3p and Xog1p. DODAB:MO-based liposomes loaded with C. albicans proteins have an excellent immunogenic potential and can be explored for the development of an immunoprotective strategy against Candida infections.This work was supported by FCT/MEC through Portuguese funds (PIDDAC) - PEst-OE/BIA/UI4050/2014, PEst-C/FIS/UI0607/2013 (CFUM) and PTDC/QUI/69795/2006, while Catarina Carneiro holds scholarship SFRH/BD/69068/2010. We acknowledge NanoDelivery-I&D em Bionanotecnologia, Lda. for access to their equipment.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio