{
    "abstract": "Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common women's health issue, with rising antifungal resistance. This study was aimed to prepare and evaluate the efficacy of a lipid nanoparticle-based vaccine in a murine model of VVC.\nDried and reconstituted vesicles containing C. albicans antigens (DRNPs-Ca-Ags) vaccine, formulated with phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol-based lipid nanoparticles via film hydration and freeze-drying. The safety evaluation of DRNPs-CaAgs was conducted by determining hepatic (AST, ALT) or renal (BUN, creatinine) biomarkers. Female mice were immunized with DRNPs-CaAgs or Alum-CaAgs, and immune responses were evaluated via antibody titers, IgG isotypes, and splenocyte proliferation. Protective efficacy of vaccine formulations was assessed through fungal burden, biofilm formation, cytokine levels, and histopathological analysis of vaginal tissues.\nMice vaccinated with DRNPs-CaAgs showed significantly enhanced immune responses, with higher antibody titers and IgG2a levels as compared to the Alum-CaAgs group. Vaginal fungal burden was dramatically reduced (665\u00a0\u00b1\u00a078 CFUs in DRNPs-CaAgs immunized group vs. 12,944\u00a0\u00b1\u00a03540 CFUs in Alum-CaAgs group, p\u00a0<\u00a00.01). Biofilm formation decreased by 45\u00a0% (p\u00a0<\u00a00.05), and inflammatory cytokines were significantly lowered. Histopathological analysis revealed minimal tissue damage in DRNPs-CaAgs vaccinated mice.\nThe findings suggest DRNPs-CaAgs as a promising vaccine for VVC, eliciting strong immunity, reducing fungal load, and minimizing inflammation. While the reliance on a murine model is a limitation, future clinical trials are essential to evaluate its efficacy and safety in humans, offering a potential strategy to combat drug-resistant infections and improve women's reproductive health.",
    "authors": [
        {
            "affiliation": "Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: a_khan@qu.edu.sa.",
            "firstname": "Masood Alam",
            "initials": "MA",
            "lastname": "Khan"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia.",
            "firstname": "Ayman M",
            "initials": "AM",
            "lastname": "Mousa"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "General Administration for Infectious Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 12382, Saudi Arabia.",
            "firstname": "Arwa Essa",
            "initials": "AE",
            "lastname": "Alradhi"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia.",
            "firstname": "Khaled",
            "initials": "K",
            "lastname": "Allemailem"
        }
    ],
    "conclusions": null,
    "copyrights": "Copyright \u00a9 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.",
    "doi": "10.1016/j.lfs.2024.123312",
    "journal": "Life sciences",
    "keywords": [
        "Immunity",
        "Infection control",
        "Nanoparticles",
        "Reproductive health",
        "Vaccination",
        "Vaginal candidiasis"
    ],
    "methods": null,
    "publication_date": "2024-12-15",
    "pubmed_id": "39674269",
    "results": null,
    "title": "Efficacy of lipid nanoparticles-based vaccine to protect against vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC): Implications for women's reproductive health.",
    "xml": "<Element 'PubmedArticle' at 0x7885028445e0>"
}