biostudies-literatureFang YHigh Level Scientific and Technological Talents Project of Lvliang CityNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaNingxia Agricultural Science and Technology Independent Innovation Special Project - Scientific and Technological Innovation Guidance ProjectScientific Research Start Funds for Advanced Talent in Ningxia Province521https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12374472biostudies-literatureUnknown21(1)Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a globally prevalent zoonotic parasite causing severe health and economic impacts. Despite decades of research, no commercial vaccine provides comprehensive protection against both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. DNA vaccines represent a promising strategy, but their application is hindered by low delivery efficiency and limited immunogenicity. Here, we developed and evaluated pVAX1-TgIMC1-loaded PLGA and chitosan (CS) nanospheres as potential vaccine candidates. Immunization studies in mice showed that pVAX1-TgIMC1/PLGA and pVAX1-TgIMC1/CS nanospheres induced robust humoral and cellular immune responses, significantly enhancing specific IgG levels and cytokine production IFN-γ and IL-17 compared to the naked DNA vaccine. Both nanospheres also promoted dendritic cell maturation and T-cell activation, resulting in reduced parasite burdens in cardiac tissues post-challenge. Notably, the PLGA nanospheres exhibited superior protection against acute toxoplasmosis, while CS nanospheres provided additional advantages in antigen stability and delivery. The nanospheres were non-toxic, as confirmed by biochemical markers and histopathological analysis. These findings highlight pVAX1-TgIMC1/PLGA and pVAX1-TgIMC1/CS nanospheres as promising candidates for T. gondii vaccine development, warranting further optimization and validation in broader animal models.BMC veterinary researchResearch on inner membrane complex protein 1: a novel nanovaccines against Toxoplasma gondii.PMC123744722024BEH04076NSFC, 722031172023RC-2-5NKYG-25-22Fang YJiang YZhou PQi WWang XZhang LYu ZLiu TWang JYu YfalseResearch on inner membrane complex protein 1: a novel nanovaccines against Toxoplasma gondii.Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a globally prevalent zoonotic parasite causing severe health and economic impacts. Despite decades of research, no commercial vaccine provides comprehensive protection against both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. DNA vaccines represent a promising strategy, but their application is hindered by low delivery efficiency and limited immunogenicity. Here, we developed and evaluated pVAX1-TgIMC1-loaded PLGA and chitosan (CS) nanospheres as potential vaccine candidates. Immunization studies in mice showed that pVAX1-TgIMC1/PLGA and pVAX1-TgIMC1/CS nanospheres induced robust humoral and cellular immune responses, significantly enhancing specific IgG levels and cytokine production IFN-γ and IL-17 compared to the naked DNA vaccine. Both nanospheres also promoted dendritic cell maturation and T-cell activation, resulting in reduced parasite burdens in cardiac tissues post-challenge. Notably, the PLGA nanospheres exhibited superior protection against acute toxoplasmosis, while CS nanospheres provided additional advantages in antigen stability and delivery. The nanospheres were non-toxic, as confirmed by biochemical markers and histopathological analysis. These findings highlight pVAX1-TgIMC1/PLGA and pVAX1-TgIMC1/CS nanospheres as promising candidates for T. gondii vaccine development, warranting further optimization and validation in broader animal models.2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Aug2026-05-08T10:46:21.67Z2026-04-07T23:47:23.681ZS-EPMC123744724084964510.1186/s12917-025-04961-z