Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Life Sciences

First Advisor

Swapan K. Ghosh

Second Advisor

H. Kathleen Dannelly

Third Advisor

James Hughes

Abstract

Background: Vaccines are formulations containing antigenic determinants (from non-self organic matters) and immuno-enhancers called adjuvants. Together, they evoke protective immune responses in hosts. Adjuvants are substances that further vaccines' capability to induce a robust immune response. Common side effects with conventional adjuvants used in most vaccines are toxicity, inflammation and granulomas. In this study we investigated the pigment chlorophyll (Chl) for immunoadjuvanticity. The selection of chlorophyll is based on the fact that it is a component in foods such as spinach, and that it contains an isoprenoid structure that is a feature of many conventional adjuvants, Pristane and Squalene. Chl contains both a porphyrin ring and isoprenoid hydrophobic moiety, phytol. Studies in our lab indicate that phytol and its chemically modified derivatives are effective adjuvants. Whether or not the naturally occurring Chl of green vegetables can function as effective adjuvants is the question that was addressed in this study. Methods: The immunoadjuvanticity of Chl was examined in BALB/c mice. Groups of male BALB/c mice received oral or intraperitoneal administration of an antigen (ovalbumin or a phthalate complexed with Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH)) with either Freund's adjuvant (commercial adjuvant) or Chl. Other groups received antigen alone (without adjuvant). A comparative study of antibody response was made using the techniques of Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) and the data analyzed. lV Results and discussion: Vaccine formulations containing Chi and CFA/IFA were equally effective in evoking an antibody response when administered intraperitoneally (IP). IF A was only used IP due to its toxicity orally. Vaccine formulations including phthalate administered orally were ineffective with or without Chl. Antibody response to ovalbumin by IP or oral routes in the presence of Chi was better than that against phthalate. Conclusion: Chl does have some adjuvanticity when administered IP. While little adjuvanticity is observed when Chl is administered orally.

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