Next generation vaccines: single-dose encapsulated vaccines for improved global immunisation coverage and efficacy

Area of Science:

• Vaccinology
• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Incomplete vaccination coverage poses a global risk for vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Current prime-boost vaccination strategies require multiple immunisations, impacting coverage and increasing healthcare burdens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development of single-dose, delayed-release vaccine technology.
• To explore the potential of encapsulation for revolutionising vaccinology and improving global health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on vaccine encapsulation using biocompatible polymers for in vivo delayed delivery.
• Discussion of biomaterial considerations, safety, particle characteristics, and immunological aspects.

Main Results:

• Encapsulation technologies have demonstrated feasibility for single-dose prime-boost vaccine delivery in preclinical settings.
• Biocompatible polymers are utilized for continuous or pulsed release of encapsulated model vaccines.

Conclusions:

• Despite demonstrated feasibility, single-dose vaccine technologies require further optimization for clinical translation.
• Advancements in particle composition, formulation, and antigen loading are crucial for successful vaccine deployment and improved global coverage.