Abstract: An immunological response potentiation process is disclosed for synthetic or genetically engineered antigens having low immunogenicity. The antigen is embedded into biodegradable microparticles, and the antigen-loaded microparticles are dispersed in a biodegradable medium. When parenterally administered, the antigen-loaded microparticles trigger a potentiated antibody, TH-lymphocyte and Tc-lymphocyte response, as compared to an aqueous antigen solution. The extent of immunological potentiation is at least comparable with that attained by Incomplete Freund's adjuvant compositions. Linear B-TH-cell epitopes, linear Tc-cell epitopes, dimers and multimers of those epitopes, and mixtures thereof, are used as low immunogenicity antigens. The microparticles are based on biodegradable biopolymers such as polyester, polyanhydride, and polyorthoester.

Abstract: An immunological response potentiation process is disclosed for synthetic or genetically engineered antigens having low immunogenicity. The antigen is embedded into biodegradable microparticles, these antigen-loaded microparticles are dispersed in a biodegradable medium which triggers when it is parenterally administered a potentiated antibody, TH-lymphocyte and TC-lymphocyte response, as compared to an aqueous antigen solution. The extent of immunological potentiation is at least comparable with that attained by IFA compositions. Linear B-TH-cell epitopes, linear TC-cell epitopes, dimers and multimers of said epitopes, as well as their mixtures, are used as low immunogenicity antigens. The microparticles are based on biodegradable biopolymers such as polyester, polyanhydride, polyorthoester. By mixing microparticles with different wettabilities, swellabilities, release and biodegradation times, the most intense and longest immunological potentiation is achieved.