Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogen composition and methods for using the same for the development of immunity, and particularly at mucosal sites in a mammal, thereby providing immunity at the site of entry for many major pathogenic organisms and also systemic immunity. The immunogen composition includes an antigen, a biocompatible polymer, and a liquid vehicle, with the biocompatible polymer and liquid vehicle being present in such proportions and interacting in such a way that the immunogen composition exhibits reverse-thermal viscosity behaviour. A delivery vehicle composition including a drug other than an antigen is also provided. Methods are provided for delivering the compositions of the invention to a host.

Abstract: We have developed a vaccine delivery system based on the non-ionic block copolymer, Pluronic®F127 (F127), combined with selected immunomodulators. F127-based matrices are characterized by a phenomenon known as reverse thermogelation, whereby the formulation undergoes a phase transition from liquid to gel upon reaching physiological temperatures. Protein antigens (tetanus toxoid (TT), diphtheria toxoid (DT) and anthrax recombinant protective antigen (rPA) were formulated with F127 in combination with CpG motifs or chitosan, as examples of immunomodulators, and were compared to more traditional adjuvants in mice.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogen composition and methods for using the same for the development of immunity, and particularly at mucosal sites in a mammal, thereby providing immunity at the site of entry for many major pathogenic organisms and also systemic immunity. The immunogen composition includes an antigen, a biocompatible polymer, and a liquid vehicle, with the biocompatible polymer and liquid vehicle being present in such proportions and interacting in such a way that the immunogen composition exhibits reverse-thermal viscosity behaviour. A delivery vehicle composition including a drug other than an antigen is also provided. Methods are provided for delivering the compositions of the invention to a host.