The stimulation of CD8+ T cells by dendritic cells pulsed with polyketal microparticles containing ion-paired protein antigen and poly(inosinic acid)–poly(cytidylic acid)

New adjuvants and delivery strategies are needed to optimize the ability of protein-based vaccines to elicit CD8+ T cell responses. We have developed a model vaccine formulation containing ovalbumin (OVA) and the double-stranded RNA analog poly(inosinic acid)–poly(cytidylic acid) (poly(I:C)), a TLR3 agonist. OVA and poly(I:C) were each ion-paired to cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to produce hydrophobic complexes, which were co-encapsulated in pH-sensitive polyketal (PK3) microparticles (1–3 μm) using a single emulsion method. Loading levels ranged from 13.6 to 18.8 μg/mg OVA and 4.8 to 10.3 μg/mg poly(I:C). Murine splenic dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with PK3-OVA–poly(I:C) microparticles, at antigen doses of 0.01 and 0.1 μg/mL, induced a higher percentage of IFNγ-producing CD8+ T cells than DCs treated with PK3-OVA particles or soluble OVA/poly(I:C). A higher antigen dose (1 μg/mL) was less effective, which can be attributed to CTAB toxicity. At the lowest antigen dose (0.01 μg/mL), PK3-OVA–poly(I:C) microparticles also enhanced TNF-α and IL-2 production in CD8+ T cells. These data demonstrate the potential of polyketal microparticles in formulating effective CD8+ T cell-inducing vaccines comprising protein antigens and dsRNA adjuvants.