Methods for preparing and delivering adjuvant compositions

Abstract

Methods are provided for preparing and delivering an adjuvant for vaccines including lecithin and a polymer. The polymer is preferably polyacrylic acid-based and the delivery method involves administering a vaccine, including an antigen and the adjuvant, to a mucosal surface.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A method for delivering a vaccine to a human or an animal mucosally comprising: formulating a vaccine comprising an antigen and an adjuvant comprising lecithin and an acrylic polymer; and administering the vaccine to a mucosal surface.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the vaccine is administered to a mucosal surface selected from the group consisting of oral cavity, gut, nasal, vaginal and rectal mucosal surfaces.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the vaccine is administered to the human or animal by placing the vaccine in a food or a beverage.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the vaccine is administered in a food or a beverage composition in a concentration of from about 0.0001-5.0% by weight.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the vaccine is administered in a food or a beverage in a concentration of from about 0.01-1.0% by weight.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the vaccine is administered in a dosage form selected from the group consisting of tablet, capsule, granule, suspension, solution, suppository, and troche.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the vaccine is administered in a concentration of from about 0.0001-5.0% by weight.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the vaccine is administered in an injectable formulation.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the vaccine is administered in a concentration of from about 0.2-2.0% by weight.  
     
     
         10 . A method for preparing an adjuvant composition comprising: hydrating lecithin and a polymer in saline or water; and mixing the lecithin and polymer to form an adjuvant.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the lecithin and the polymer are mixed by placing the lecithin and the polymer in a blender.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the lecithin and the polymer are mixed in the presence of surfactants.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 10  further including the step of microwaving or autoclaving the adjuvant.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein from about 0.001-10% by weight dry lecithin and from about 0.001-10% by weight polymer are hydrated.  
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14  further including the step of adding an antigen.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the antigen is added during the hydration step.  
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the antigen is added to the adjuvant.