Polysaccharide microparticles as an oral vaccine platform: proof-of-concept in male rats using a GnRH-targeting fusion antigen

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Immunocastration via vaccination against GnRH offers a humane alternative to surgical castration in animal production.
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Polysaccharide microparticles, particularly alginate-chitosan systems, protect protein antigens from gastrointestinal degradation.
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Oral administration of GF45 in microparticles significantly reduced testosterone levels and induced anti-GF45 antibodies in male rats.
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Testis weight and volume decreased significantly, indicating effective immunocastration following oral vaccination.
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The study demonstrates the potential of alginate-chitosan microparticles as a needle-free platform for oral immunization.

Frontiers In Immunology

by Maximiliano Wilda, Maria Victoria Rocca, M. Solana Pesca, Pablo Rafael Grigera
June 10, 2026

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