The adjuvants MF59 and LT-K63 enhance the mucosal and systemic immunogenicity of subunit influenza vaccine administered intranasally in mice.

Commercial influenza vaccines generate serum antibody, but not local IgA. Influenza vaccines that induce both serum and secretory antibody are more likely to protect against infection and disease progression. The adjuvants MF59 and LT-K63 were tested intramuscularly and intranasally with subunit HA. In naive mice, intranasal adjuvant effect was more apparent when included with the first than second immunization. In previously infected mice, intranasal adjuvants had little effect on serum antibodies and were most effective for nasal antibodies after the second immunization. Overall, both adjuvants enhanced anti-HA IgA and IgG by intranasal vaccination whereas, by intramuscular vaccination, they only enhanced serum IgG.