Topical Ocular Mucosal Immunization with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Epitope Peptide
Epitopes: The Role of the Nasal Immune System
Ayesha Akhtarmalik
Mentor: Lbachir BenMohamed
We recently reported that topical ocular delivery of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D
(HSV-1 gD) peptide epitopes plus CpG2007 adjuvant efficiently induces both ocular mucosal and
systemic immune responses. We now demonstrate that topical ocular delivery of HSV-gD peptide
epitopes plus CpG2007 adjuvant induced both systemic and ocular mucosal immune responses at the
same levels as intranasal immunizations. The immune responses elicited after topical ocular versus
intranasal delivery of HSV-gD peptide epitopes plus CpG2007 adjuvant were measured by observing
specific T cell responses in both the spleen and conjunctiva using CFSE assays, and by the detection
of the levels of serum and tear antibodies using ELISA assays. In addition, the effect of nasolacrimal
ducts blockade on the ocular immunogenicty was investigated. Following a surgical nasolacrimal
ducts blockade, the ocular delivery, but not intranasal delivery of HSV peptides plus CpG2007
further enhanced systemic T cell response, but had no effect on the ocular mucosal T cell responses.
Although the intranasal route resulted in both systemic and mucosal immune responses, it failed to
protect against ocular herpes infection as compared to topical ocular route. Topical ocular
administration of HSV-1 gD peptide epitopes plus CpG2007 adjuvant appears as a noninvasive
vaccination method. The nasal lymphoid system appears to influence the ocular immunity induced
following topical ocular immunization with HSV-1 gD peptides.