Nanoemulsion Vaccines

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. Specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the use of nanoemulsion compounds as mucosal adjuvants to induce immunity against environmental pathogens. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention provides nanoemulsion vaccines comprising a nanoemulsion and an inactivated pathogen or protein derived from the pathogen. The present invention thus provides improved vaccines against a variety of environmental and human-released pathogens.

1 . A method of inducing an immune response to an immunogen in a subject comprising administering a combined nanoemulsion and immunogen to said subject under conditions such that said subject produces an immune response to said immunogen, wherein said nanoemulsion comprises:
 1. oil;   2. a solvent;   3. a surfactant;   4. a halogen-containing compound; and   5. water;   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises contacting said combined nanoemulsion and immunogen to a surface of said subject. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said surface is a skin surface. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises parenteral delivery of said combined nanoemulsion and immunogen. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said parenteral delivery comprises injection of said combined nanoemulsion and immunogen. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said injection comprises intravenous injection. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said injection comprises intramuscular injection. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises subcutaneous administration of said combined nanoemulsion and immunogen. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises intradermal administration of said combined nanoemulsion and immunogen. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said combined nanoemulsion and immunogen is administered as a pharmaceutically acceptable composition. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprises one or more supplementary active ingredients. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprises an agent that enhance penetration of the nanoemulsion and immunogen through the skin 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is selected from the group consisting of a liquid, cream, foam, lotion, and gel. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprises one or more agents selected from the group consisting of an organic solvent, emulsifier, gelling agent, moisturizer, stabilizer, surfactant, wetting agent, preservative, time release agent, humectant, sequestering agent, dye, and perfume. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising repeating step c) administering said combined nanoemulsion and immunogen to said subject. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said subject exhibits a higher titer of immunogen-specific antibodies relative to a subject not administered said combined emulsion and immunogen. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said immunogen-specific antibodies comprise IgG antibodies. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said immunogen-specific antibodies comprise IgA antibodies. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said subject exposed to said combined nanoemulsion and immunogen exhibits elevated serum levels of IFN-γ compared to the levels found within a subject not administered said combined nanoemulsion and immunogen.