Date of Award
Spring 2026
Degree Type
Honors College Thesis
Academic Program
Biological Sciences BS
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Alexandre F. Marques
Advisor Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity of intranasal immunization with α-Gal-conjugated virus-like particles (VLPs) in an α1,3-galactosyltransferase-knockout (α1,3GalT-KO) mouse model that mimics the human immune response to the α-Gal epitope. The carbohydrate epitope galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) is expressed on the cell surface of several pathogens, including Leishmania species. This molecule is absent in humans and has emerged as a promising immunogenic vaccine target. α1,3GalT-KO mice were intranasally immunized with 10 μg either Qβ-α-Gal or Qβ per nostril and boosted twice prior to sample collection. Blood and lung lavage samples were used to evaluate the antibody response. The Qβ-α-Gal group developed robust systemic and mucosal antibody responses, with higher anti-α-Gal IgG, IgA, and IgM titers. IgE levels were measured to assess potential allergic sensitization, and no detectable IgE responses were observed. These results confirm previous findings that VLP-based vaccines enhance antigen presentation and immunogenicity, while balancing proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. Furthermore, intranasal delivery synergistically promotes immune activation at mucosal sites, which displays relevance for preventing the proliferation of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Overall, the results presented here demonstrate that intranasal delivery of Qβ-α-Gal induces robust humoral immunity without IgE-mediated sensitization, supporting Qβ-α-Gal as a safe and promising candidate for vaccine development against Leishmania and other α-Gal-expressing pathogens.
Copyright
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Recommended Citation
Brown, Faith, "Analyzing Antibody Immune Response in α1,3GalT-KO Mice After Intranasal Vaccination of α-Gal Virus-Like Particle" (2026). Honors Theses. 1099.
https://aquila.usm.edu/honors_theses/1099