ArticleFrontiers in immunology2026
Polysaccharide microparticles as an oral vaccine platform: proof-of-concept in male rats using a GnRH-targeting fusion antigen.
Article in Frontiers in immunology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Background: Immunocastration through vaccination against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) represents a humane alternative to surgical castration in animal production. However, oral delivery of protein antigens remains challenging due to gastrointestinal degradation and poor mucosal immunogenicity. Polysaccharide microparticles (PSMs), particularly alginate-chitosan systems, offer protection against gastric degradation and enhanced mucosal uptake. Objective: To evaluate whether alginate-chitosan microparticles entrapping a recombinant GnRH-fusion protein (GF45) can elicit an immunocastrating response in male rats after oral administration. Methods: GF45, a 45 kDa fusion peptide containing four tandem GnRH repeats fused to Rickettsia heat-shock protein fragments, was expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) and purified under denaturing conditions followed by refolding. Microparticles were prepared by ionic gelation achieving 64% encapsulation efficiency. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (4 weeks) received oral prime-boost immunizations (weeks 4 and 7) with 200 µg GF45 in microparticles (n = 10). Controls included empty microparticles (NC, n = 10) and subcutaneous GF45 + Freund's adjuvant (PC, n = 10). Serum testosterone and anti-GF45 IgG were monitored until week 16 via ELISA. Testes were weighed, volumetrically measured by Archimedes' principle, and histologically examined using Johnsen's scoring system. Results: Oral GF45 reduced circulating testosterone by 95% (0.7 ± 0.3 vs 14.2 ± 1.8 ng dL Conclusion: Alginate-chitosan microparticles provide a practical, needle-free platform for oral immunocastration via induction of anti-GnRH autoimmunity. This polysaccharide-based system represents a versatile oral antigen carrier with potential applications in veterinary medicine and livestock production.
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