Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Adjuvants are substances formulated into vaccines to enhance the intensity and duration of the host's immune response to an antigen.
They are classified based on their physical and chemical properties into delivery systems (such as particulate adjuvants) and immunostimulators (such as ligands for pattern recognition receptors).
Detailed Explanation:
Particulate adjuvants consist of microscopic particles that mimic the physical dimensions of pathogens.
This structure promotes endocytosis by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells and macrophages, facilitating target delivery and MHC class I or II presentation.
Let us evaluate each option:
- A. Liposomes: Synthetic phospholipid bilayers that encapsulate antigens, functioning as classic particulate delivery systems.
- B. Alum (aluminum hydroxide/phosphate): Classically categorized as a mineral salt or mineral gel adjuvant. It functions primarily by forming an amorphous gel depot that slowly releases antigen, rather than acting as a discrete particulate delivery vehicle.
- C. Immune Stimulating Complexes (ISCOMs): Stable particulate structures ($30$--$40$ nm) composed of saponin (Quil A), cholesterol, phospholipids, and antigen. They are highly effective particulate adjuvants that stimulate both humoral and cellular immunity.
- D. Microparticles: Biodegradable polymer microspheres (such as PLGA) that encapsulate antigens, representing a standard class of particulate adjuvants.
Consequently, the synthetic particulate adjuvants in this list are Liposomes (A), ISCOMs (C), and Microparticles (D).
Step 2: Final Answer:
The correct choice is A, C and D only, which corresponds to Option (D).