Advances in Polymer-Based Self-Adjuvanted Nanovaccines

Nanovaccines, as a new generation of vaccines, have garnered significant interest due to their exceptional potential in enhancing disease prevention and treatment. Their unique features, such as high stability, antigens protection, prolonged retention, and targeted delivery to lymph nodes, immune cells, and tumors, set them apart as promising candidates in the field of immunotherapy. Polymers, with their superior degradability, capacity to mimic pathogen characteristics, and surface functionality that facilitates modifications, serve as ideal carriers for vaccine components. Polymer-based self-adjuvanted nanovaccines have the remarkable ability to augment immune responses. The inherent adjuvant-like properties of polymers themselves offer a pathway toward more efficient exploitation of nanomaterials and the optimization of nanovaccines. This review article aims to summarize the categorization of polymers and elucidate their mechanisms of action as adjuvants. Additionally, it delves into the advantages and limitations of polymer-based self-adjuvanted nanovaccines in disease management and prevention, providing valuable insights for their design and application. This comprehensive analysis could contribute to the development of more effective and tailored nanovaccines for a wide range of diseases.