Atomic‐Scale Description of Interfaces between Antigen and Aluminum‐Based Adjuvants Used in Vaccines by Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) Enhanced NMR Spectroscopy. Issue 41 (8th July 2020) - Viger‐Gravel, Jasmine
Abstract: The addition of aluminum‐based adjuvants in vaccines enhances the immune response to antigens. The strength of antigen adsorption on adjuvant gels is known to modulate vaccine efficacy. However, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between aluminum gels and antigens is still missing. Herein, a new analytical approach based on dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) enhanced NMR spectroscopy under magic angle spinning (MAS) is implemented to provide a molecular description of the antigen–adjuvant interface. This approach is demonstrated on hepatitis B surface antigen particles in combination with three aluminum gels obtained from different suppliers. Both noncovalent and covalent interactions between the phospholipids of the antigen particles and the surface of the aluminum gels are identified by using MAS DNP NMR 27 Al and 31 P correlation experiments. Although covalent interactions were detected for only one of the formulations, dipolar recoupling rotational echo adiabatic passage double resonance (REAPDOR) experiments reveal significant differences in the strength of weak interactions. Abstract : Revealing the ties that bind : The nature of molecular interactions at the interface between aluminum‐based adjuvants and antigens in vaccine formulations is elucidated by using correlation magic angle spinning dynamic nuclear polarization (MAS DNP) NMR spectroscopy. Data reveal significant differences in these interactions as a function of the adjuvant supplier (see figure).