A novel atheroprotective role of MF59-like adjuvant when co-administered with CETP vaccine in rabbit model of atherosclerosis

Abstract

Objective(s): In this study, for the first time, MF59 adjuvant was used to develop a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) vaccine. The efficacy of the vaccine was compared with the efficacy of CETP vaccine formulated with Alum/CpG, the formulation that its immunogenicity has been already demonstrated in rabbit and mice. Materials and Methods: Tetanus toxoid- CETP peptide (TT-CETP) was mixed with Alum/CpG or MF59-like and administered subcutaneously for total five times in rabbit model of atherosclerosis. Anti-TT-CETP specific antibody, CETP activity in sera and mRNA level of cytokine IL-4 and IFN-γ in peripheral mononuclear cells were determined. Therapeutic response was also examined by tracking serum lipoprotein levels and pathologic observation of atherosclerotic lesions at aortic site. Results: More anti-TT-CETP antibody was found in Alum/CpG vaccinated rabbits compared to buffer (P

Keywords

• Alum/CpG
• Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular disease
• CETP vaccine
• MF59