However, the absence of this receptor does not prevent the binding of IgA to mouse PMN [27] and suggest alternative

receptors on PMN for opsonization Integrase inhibitor via IgA. Hence, we postulate that immunization with MPs induced significantly higher levels of IgG and IgA in the lungs, which subsequently contributed to enhanced bacterial killing. The IgG and IgA in the lungs were higher in MP group than SOL though the serum antibody levels were lower in MP group. This may be because of enhanced priming by the MP than by SOL formulation leading to increased levels of local antibody response in the lungs after challenge in the former. These can be further supported by higher levels of serum antibody levels observed after a booster immunization (unpublished results) than in a single shot as described in the present study. This may be due to GSK-3 inhibitor better B-cell memory induced by MP formulation. Earlier studies on the mechanisms that prevent replication, dissemination and eventual clearance of B. pertussis from the respiratory tract appear to reflect the dual extra- and intracellular location of the bacteria in the host and require the distinct but coordinated functions of the cellular and humoral arms of the immune responses for optimal protection [28]. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-12p40 and the chemokine MCP-1 were significantly higher only in the lungs of mice in the MP group. This

could have been likely due to the adjuvant effect of CpG ODN and IDR peptide in the formulation, respectively. We believe that the MP-complexed formulation showed higher pro-inflammatory response compared to the SOL and AQ formulations because of possible better synergy due to delivery of PTd, CpG ODN and IDR peptide in the MP formulation to the same APC. This synergy is reflected by our in vitro study where in

Methisazone mouse macrophages, PCEP MP formulation containing CpG ODN and IDR peptides produced higher pro-inflammatory response as complexed or uncomplexed using PCEP:IDR:CpG ODN ratio of 1:2:1. The higher amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lungs is known to regulate the selective induction of Th1 cells and secretion of cytokines such as IFN-γ (Th1) and IL-17 (Th17). Cytokines secreted by Th1 cells, especially IFN-γ, provide help for opsonizing antibody production and activate macrophages and neutrophils to take up and kill intracellular B. pertussis bacteria. The Th1 responses are characteristics of immune responses in children and mice immunized with whole cell pertussis vaccine (Pw) [29,30]. The acellular pertussis vaccines, however, are devoid of bacterial toxins that stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokines but consists of components like FHA, which stimulate IL-10 production and consequently have anti-inflammatory activity and preferentially induce Th2 cells. Th2 cells provide help to B-cells to secrete IgE and murine IgG1 antibodies, which neutralize toxins and prevent adherence of bacteria in the respiratory tract.