Objective:

To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a novel mucosal vaccine platform, TB-PCF, for tuberculosis.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• TB-PCF vaccine elicited significant antigen-specific antibody responses in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
• Vaccinated mice showed polyfunctional systemic Th1 and Th17 responses with elevated IFN-γ and IL-17.
• Splenocytes from vaccinated mice exhibited significant bacterial killing in a modified mycobacterial growth inhibition assay, trending higher than BCG.

Interpretation:

Limitations:

• The study did not achieve significant in vivo protection despite promising in vitro results.
• The antigenic breadth of the ESAT6-CFP10 combination may not be sufficient for comprehensive protection against tuberculosis.

Conclusion:

The TB-PCF platform is proposed as a promising tool for future screening of diverse antigen combinations to improve mucosal TB vaccination.

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