Generation of protective immune responses to plague by mucosal administration of microsphere coencapsulated recombinant subunits.

We have investigated noninvasive immunization to plague. Recombinant subunit antigens, F1 and V from Yersinia pestis, were coencapsulated in biodegradable poly(L100 LD(50's) inhalational challenge with virulent Y. pestis. These data expand on previous findings from our laboratories, providing further insight into the mechanics of safeguarding mice from plague through nasal immunization. Further, these results demonstrate that in a murine model, solid protection from pneumonic plague can be engendered by two intranasal administrations of appropriately formulated recombinant proteins.