Oral delivery of Trichinella spiralis antigens by yeast-derived β-glucan particles enhances anti-helminth immunity

Intestinal helminth infections including Trichinella spiralis impose a heavy burden globally, yet effective oral vaccines are lacking due to antigen degradation and poor mucosal immunogenicity. This study develops an oral vaccine platform using yeast-derived β-glucan particles (GPs) to encapsulate T. spiralis antigens (Ag-GPs). These Ag-GPs demonstrated efficient antigen encapsulation, gastrointestinal stability, and excellent biocompatibility. In a mouse model, oral immunization with Ag-GPs was biocompatible and induced robust mucosal (SIgA) and systemic (IgG, IgE) antibody responses, while also stimulating dendritic cell maturation and T-cell activation. This immunization resulted in significant reductions in both adult worm and muscle larval burdens following T. spiralis challenge. Notably, the observed protective immunity strongly correlated with Dectin-1 receptor-mediated particle uptake and subsequent systemic immune activation. This work presents a promising dual-function platform, acting as both an adjuvant and delivery system, for developing oral vaccines against intestinal parasites.