Polysaccharides as vaccine adjuvants.

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Vaccinology
• Biomaterials Science
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Adjuvants enhance vaccine immunogenicity, improving immune responses and reducing vaccine costs.
• Polysaccharides offer biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and intrinsic immunomodulating properties, making them attractive for vaccine development.
• Natural polysaccharides have demonstrated enhanced humoral, cellular, and mucosal immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent studies on polysaccharides with vaccine adjuvant activities.
• To discuss the applications and future perspectives of polysaccharides as vaccine adjuvants.
• To provide a foundation for the development of novel polysaccharide-based adjuvants.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies on polysaccharide vaccine adjuvants.
• Analysis of research on chitosan-based nanoparticles (NPs), glucan, mannose, inulin, and Chinese medicinal herb polysaccharides.
• Discussion of current applications and future trends in polysaccharide adjuvant research.

Main Results:

• Polysaccharides, including chitosan NPs, glucan, mannose, inulin, and Chinese medicinal herb extracts, exhibit significant vaccine adjuvant potential.
• These natural compounds enhance various aspects of the immune system, contributing to more effective vaccines.
• The review highlights the growing interest and application of polysaccharides in nano-vaccine and nano-drug formulations.

Conclusions:

• Polysaccharide adjuvants are a rapidly developing field with substantial potential for clinical application.
• Continued in-depth investigation into polysaccharide adjuvants will drive their wider adoption in vaccines.
• These findings support the future development and widespread use of polysaccharide-based adjuvants in clinical practice.