Adjuvant properties of gold nanoparticles

This review summarizes known data and the results of our own investigations into the application of gold nanoparticles as an antigen (AG) carrier and as an adjuvant in immunization in the in vivo preparation of antibodies (ABs). We have developed a technology for the production of ABs against various AGs by using colloidal gold as a carrier and as an adjuvant. The repeated injection of colloidal gold (CG)-AG conjugates (with or without the use of Freund’s complete adjuvant) into animals yielded specific high-titer ABs for a variety of AGs with no concomitant ABs. Gold nanoparticles used as an AG carrier activated the phagocytic activity of macrophages and influenced the functioning of lymphocytes, which apparently may be responsible for their immunomodulating effect. Thus, gold nanoparticles can facilitate the synthesis of ABs in rabbits, rats, and mice, in particular, by reducing the amount of required AG when compared to immunization using Freund’s complete adjuvant.