Evaluation of β-D-Glucan as FMDV Vaccine Adjuvant

We evaluated the potential of β-D-glucan as an FMDV vaccine adjuvant, and investigated its ability to induce cellular and humoral immune responses and elicit long-term immunity in FMDV type O and type A antibody-seronegative pigs (8–9 weeks-old) according to a previously described method (4 (link)). Briefly, pigs were classified into three groups; NC, PC, and Experimental group (n = 5–6/group). The FMD vaccine containing β-D-glucan was composed of purified antigens obtained via antigen purification from FMDV type O (O PA2) and type A (A YC) (15 + 15 μg/dose/pig/mL), ISA 206 (50% w/w, Seppic), 10% Al(OH)₃, 150 μg/dose/pig Quil-A (InvivoGen), and without β-D-glucan (PC group) or with β-D-glucan (experimental group). A single dose was equilibrated to 1 mL. Pigs in the NC group were administered an equal volume of PBS (pH 7.0) (4 (link)). After 1^st vaccination via IM injection, the 2^nd vaccination dose was administered at 28 dpv via the same route. Blood samples were collected from the vaccinated pigs at 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, and 84 dpv for use in serological assays, including ELISAs (SP O and A), VN test, and immunoglobulin test.