Induction of mucosal immunity through systemic immunization: Phantom or reality?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Mucosal immunity is crucial for defense against pathogens at epithelial barriers.
• Mucosal immunization routes (intranasal, oral) show promise but face clinical challenges.
• Systemic immunization (intramuscular, subcutaneous) is standard but traditionally thought to not induce mucosal immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on systemic immunization's potential to induce mucosal immunity.
• To discuss the controversial topic of whether systemic vaccination can generate protective mucosal immunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on immunization routes and mucosal immunity.
• Analysis of evidence for and against systemic induction of mucosal immune responses.

Main Results:

• Systemic vaccines can protect against mucosal pathogens despite not typically inducing IgA.
• The induction of protective mucosal immunity via systemic routes remains a debated subject.
• Evidence suggests potential mechanisms by which systemic immunization might influence mucosal immunity.

Conclusions:

• Systemic immunization's role in inducing protective mucosal immunity requires further investigation.
• Understanding these mechanisms could lead to improved vaccine strategies for mucosal pathogens.