Experimental and Immunoinformatic Studies Revealed an Enhanced Immune Responses of Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine on Eggshell Membrane Adjuvant

Despite the invasiveness of the Hepatitis-B infection, its vaccines are only formulated with FDA-approved alum-based adjuvants, which poorly elicit a lasting immune response. Hence the need for a more effective adjuvant system. This study evaluated the immunogenicity and toxicity of eggshell membrane (ESM) when administered as an adjuvant for HBV vaccine (rHBsAg) in albino mice. Differential WBC analysis, as well as the titre measurement of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a on iELISA, were performed to measure the immune-modulatory potentials of ESM. Moreover, analysis of the Liver marker enzyme (AST and ALT) and body/liver weights were performed to ascertain the toxicity level of ESM. Finally, Immuno-informatic analysis was used to investigate the immune-modulatory potential of individual member proteins of ESM. Results showed a significant improvement in the lymphocyte count after boost-dose administration in the experimental group when compared to the controls. Whereas no significant change in the granulocyte population. Furthermore, the formulations (ESM-rHBsAg) significantly improved IgG and IgG1 titres after each successive immunisation. Body/Liver weight and Liver function results showed ESM to be non-toxic to mice. In conclusion, Immunoinformatic analysis discovered ovalbumin, Lysozyme-C and UFM-1 as the member proteins of ESM with immune-modulatory activities of activating APC.