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Strategies to Develop a Mucosa-Targeting Vaccine against Emerging Infectious Diseases
Fengling Feng1,2, Ziyu Wen1,2, Jiaoshan Chen1,2
1School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
Abstract:
Numerous pathogenic microbes, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, usually infect the host through the mucosal surfaces of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive tract. The mucosa is well known to provide the first line of host defense against pathogen entry by physical, chemical, biological, and immunological barriers, and therefore, mucosa-targeting vaccination is emerging as a promising strategy for conferring superior protection. However, there are still many challenges to be solved to develop an effective mucosal vaccine, such as poor adhesion to the mucosal surface, insufficient uptake to break through the mucus, and the difficulty in avoiding strong degradation through the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, increasing efforts to overcome these issues have been made, and we herein summarize the latest findings on these strategies to develop mucosa-targeting vaccines, including a novel needle-free mucosa-targeting route, the development of mucosa-targeting vectors, the administration of mucosal adjuvants, encapsulating vaccines into nanoparticle formulations, and antigen design to conjugate with mucosa-targeting ligands. Our work will highlight the importance of further developing mucosal vaccine technology to combat the frequent outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Insights
Developing effective mucosal vaccines is crucial for preventing infections. Researchers are exploring new strategies like nanoparticle formulations and novel delivery routes to overcome challenges and enhance protection against pathogens entering through mucosal surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mucosal surfaces are primary entry points for pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
- Mucosal barriers provide the first line of defense against infection.
- Mucosa-targeting vaccination offers a promising strategy for superior host protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent advancements in developing effective mucosa-targeting vaccines.
- To address challenges hindering the efficacy of mucosal vaccines.
- To highlight strategies for improving vaccine delivery and uptake at mucosal sites.
Main Methods:
- Review of novel needle-free mucosal delivery routes.
- Development of specialized mucosa-targeting vectors.
- Administration of mucosal adjuvants.
- Encapsulation of vaccines into nanoparticle formulations.
- Antigen design with mucosa-targeting ligands.
Main Results:
- Identified strategies to improve vaccine adhesion and penetration of mucosal barriers.
- Demonstrated potential for enhanced immune responses via targeted delivery.
- Highlighted advancements in overcoming degradation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Conclusions:
- Mucosa-targeting vaccine technology is critical for combating infectious diseases.
- Overcoming challenges in mucosal vaccine development is essential for public health.
- Continued research in novel delivery systems and formulations will improve vaccine efficacy.
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