Block copolymers have differing adjuvant effects on the primary immune response elicited by genetic immunization and on further induced allergy.

Block copolymers were recently used to promote gene delivery in various tissues. Using a plasmid encoding a food allergen, bovine beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), we studied the effects of block copolymers on gene expression levels and primary immune response and on further induced allergy. Block copolymers (i.e., Tetronic 304, 908, and 1107) and various quantities of DNA were injected into the tibialis muscles of BALB/c mice. The BLG levels in injected muscle and the BLG-specific induced immune response were analyzed after injection. DNA-immunized mice were further experimentally sensitized with BLG, and the effects of block copolymer and DNA doses on allergic sensitization and elicitation were compared. Tetronic 304 induced a 12-fold increase in BLG production, while Tetronic 1107 increased the duration of BLG expression. Different Th1 primary specific immune responses were observed, either strong humoral and cellular (304), only cellular (1107), or weak cellular and humoral (908) responses. After BLG sensitization, increased BLG-specific IgG2a production was observed in all groups of mice independently of the presence and nature of the block copolymer. Increased BLG-specific IgG1 production was also detected after sensitization, except with Tetronic 1107. Compared with naked DNA, Tetronic 304 was the only block polymer that decreased BLG-specific IgE concentrations. However, after allergen challenge, Tetronic 1107 was the only block copolymer to reduce eosinophils and Th2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Tetronic 304 amplified local inflammation. Each block copolymer elicited a different immune response, although always Th1 specific, in BALB/c mice.