Carbohydrate-containing nanoparticles as vaccine adjuvants

Area of Science:

• Vaccine development
• Immunology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Aluminum-based adjuvants have limited capacity to induce cellular immune responses.
• Emerging pathogens necessitate novel vaccine adjuvants with improved immunomodulatory profiles.
• Carbohydrate-containing nanoparticles (NPs) offer potential for balanced humoral and cellular immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review carbohydrate-based nanoparticles (NPs) with immunomodulatory properties for vaccine applications.
• To present the mode of action, preparation, and characterization of these NPs.
• To discuss their potential in developing next-generation vaccines.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of immunomodulatory carbohydrates (chitosan, β-glucan, mannan, saponins).
• Analysis of NP preparation and characterization methods.
• Evaluation of NP-based vaccine formulations and their immune responses.

Main Results:

• Several carbohydrate-containing NPs have advanced to clinical trials or are in licensed vaccines.
• Saponin-based NPs are under investigation for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
• These NPs demonstrate potential for eliciting balanced immune responses.

Conclusions:

• Carbohydrate-containing NPs are promising as vaccine carriers and immunostimulators.
• Further understanding of their mechanisms will aid in designing new vaccines.
• These NPs hold potential for vaccines against cancer and infectious diseases.