IFN-α as an Adjuvant for Adenovirus-Vectored FMDV Subunit Vaccine through Improving the Generation of T Follicular Helper Cells

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 8; no. 6; p. e66134
• Main Authors: Su, Chunxia, Duan, Xiangguo, Zheng, Jie, Liang, Lijun, Wang, Feng, Guo, Lin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 18.06.2013; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Adaptive immunity; Adenoviridae - genetics; Adenoviruses; Animals; Antibody response; Antigens; Apoptosis; Bcl-6 protein; Biology; Expression vectors; Female; Foot & mouth disease; Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus - genetics; Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus - immunology; Gene expression; Genes; Genetic Vectors; Helper cells; Humoral immunity; Immune response; Immunity; Immunoglobulin G; Immunomodulation; Interferon; Interferon-alpha - pharmacology; Interleukin 21; Lymphocytes; Lymphocytes B; Medicine; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; mRNA; Nanoparticles; Proteins; Rodents; Studies; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer - immunology; Vaccines; Veterinary Science; China
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066134

IFN-α exhibits either direct antiviral effects or distinct immunomodulatory properties, which was identified as a 'natural immune adjuvant' for both the innate and the adaptive immune responses. Here we have investigated the effects of IFN-α as an adjuvant on the generation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and antigen-specific antibody responses. The data showed that adenoviral vectors co-expressing FMDV VP1 proteins and porcine IFN-α potently enhanced the generation of Tfh cells, the secretion of IL-21 protein and the expression of Bcl-6 mRNA, compared with adenoviral vectors sole expressing VP1 alone. Additionally, IFN-α substantial increased the number of germinal-center (GC) B cells and formation of GCs. Furthermore, IFN-α enhanced the antibody response, as shown by increased production of all IgG and subclasses of IgG1 and IgG2a. Thus, our results revealed the potent adjuvant activity of IFN-α which enhanced the generation of Tfh cells and regulated the humoral immunity by promoting germinal-center reactions and antibody responses.