[Efficacy of AJc-F nano-complex in the improvement of hepatitis B vaccine immunogenicity]

ABSTRACT

Prevalence of hepatitis B infection, existence of non-responder populations and the weakness of the classic Alum adjuvant in inducing proper cellular immune responses display the importance of designing more efficient vaccines. Many studies have demonstrated interactions between iron and the immune system. In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of two iron containing structures, ferrous sulphate and AJc-F nano complex on immune response. In this experimental study, female Balb/c mice were injected 3 times with hepatitis B vaccine. The proliferative response of the splenocytes was evaluated using bromodeoxyuridine assay and interleukin-4, interferon-gamma [IFN-gamma] levels and total specific antibodies were examined by the ELISA method. Data analysis was done by SPSS software version 18. AJc-F nano complex significantly increased total antibody and cytokine levels compared to ferrous sulfate and control groups. Ferrous sulfate severely decreased total antibody and IL-4 levels compared to control group. Both compounds increased splenocyte proliferation and IFN-gamma levels compared to control group. The results show that AJc-F, as an iron-containing nano complex, could efficiently increase humoral and cellular immune responses against hepatitis B vaccine