A Novel Inulin Adjuvant Enhanced Local Immune Responses to Influenza Antigen

Abstract

Sheep efferent lymphatic duct of the prefemoral lymph node was cannulated to collect the draining lymph
leaving the lymph node. Efferent draining lymph contains immune cells and immunomodulatory signals that are
responsible for early response to antigen and/or adjuvant. The lymphatic duct cannulation model was applied to
investigate local immunoreactivity to human influenza virus antigen (Flu ag) mixed with a new derived inulin
adjuvant (inulin). The results show that Flu ag mixed with inulin adjuvant provokes lymph node activation
including lymphocyte recruitment and elevation of antibodies production and antigen-induced proliferation
in cultured efferent lymph cells. Thus inulin derived adjuvants enhance the immunogenicity of weak antigen,
making them suitable as good vaccine candidatures.