On the preparation, microscopic investigation and application of ISCOMs

Julia Myschik, Dirk G Lendemans, Warren T McBurney, Patrick H Demana, Sarah Hook, Thomas Rades

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

51 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

ISCOM matrices constitute colloidal structures formed from Quillaja saponins, cholesterol and phospholipid. Addition of protein antigens to these matrices leads to the formation of ISCOMs. In this review we report on microscopic investigations of ISCOM matrices and ISCOMs as well as related colloidal structures, such as helices, worm-like micelles, ring-like micelles, and lamellae structures. We briefly outline the immunologic basis for the use of ISCOMs as vaccine delivery systems, and describe the various methods to form ISCOMs. Negative staining transmission electron micrographs of all colloidal structures are presented and described. On the basis of our microscopic investigations, different formation mechanisms of ISCOMS are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
JournalMicron
Volume37
Issue number8
Pages (from-to)724-34
Number of pages11
ISSN0968-4328
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

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