DODAB:monoolein liposomes containing Candida albicans cell wall surface proteins: a novel adjuvant and delivery system.

We describe the preparation and characterization of DODAB:MO-based liposomes and demonstrate their adjuvant potential and use in antigen delivery. Liposomes loaded with Candida albicans proteins assembled as stable negatively charged spherical nanoparticles with a mean size of 280 nm. High adsorption efficiency (91.0 ± 9.0%) is attained with high lipid concentrations. The nanoparticles were non-toxic, avidly taken up by macrophage cells and accumulated in membrane rich regions with an internalization time of 20 min. Immunized mice displayed strong humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, producing antibodies (IgGs) against specific cell wall proteins, Cht3p and Xog1p. DODAB:MO-based liposomes loaded with C. albicans proteins have an excellent immunogenic potential and can be explored for the development of an immunoprotective strategy against Candida infections.