Generation of Toxoplasma gondii GRA1 protein and DNA vaccine loaded chitosan particles: preparation, characterization, and preliminary in vivo studies.

Chitosan microparticles as carriers for GRA-1 protein vaccine were prepared and characterized with respect to loading efficiency and GRA-1 stability after short-term storage. Chitosan nanoparticles as carriers for GRA-1 pDNA vaccine were prepared and characterized with respect to size, zeta potential, and protection of the pDNA vaccine against degradation by DNase I. Both protein and pDNA vaccine preparations were tested with regard to their potential to elicit GRA-1-specific immune response after intragastric administration using different prime/boost regimen. The immune response was measured by determination of IgG2a and IgG1 antibody titers. It was shown that priming with GRA1 protein vaccine loaded chitosan particles and boosting with GRA1 pDNA vaccine resulted in high anti-GRA1 antibodies, characterized by a mixed IgG2a/IgG1 ratio. These results showed that oral delivery of vaccines using chitosan as a carrier material appears to be beneficial for inducing an immune response against Toxoplasma gondii. The type of immune response, however, will largely depend on the prime/boost regimen and the type of vaccine used.