Immunopotentiating reconstituted influenza virosomes as a novel antigen delivery system.

Using immunopotentiating, reconstituted influenza virosomes (IRIV) as a delivery vehicle, a number of vaccines have been developed. In humans, IRIV-based vaccines containing hepatitis A and influenza antigens have been found to possess enhanced immunogenicity compared to alum-adsorbed vaccine for hepatitis A or commercial subunits or whole virion influenza vaccines. These vaccines were safe and did not engender any anti-phospholipid antibodies against the liposome components of the IRIV. Hepatitis B, tetanus toxoid and diphtheria toxoid, and nucleic acids have also been incorporated into IRIVs. These vaccines are now undergoing clinical phase I testing. IRIVs are also being evaluated in phase I trials for their ability to deliver antigens by the intranasal route.