Advocating mucosal immunization: A global need in a viewpoint from China

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Mucosal immunization generates localized immunity at pathogen entry sites, crucial for preventing infections and reducing transmission.
• Nasal and oral vaccine administration offers needle-free, self-administered advantages, potentially improving population-wide compliance and coverage.
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated nasal vaccine development in China, highlighting their importance in public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the challenges and knowledge gaps in developing effective mucosal vaccines.
• To emphasize the need for global collaboration involving scientific, public, private, and governmental entities.
• To propose a path forward for global preparedness in infectious disease prevention and vaccine equity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current knowledge on mucosal immunity mechanisms.
• Analysis of hurdles in developing and implementing mucosal immunization strategies.
• Discussion of collaborative approaches for advancing mucosal vaccine development.

Main Results:

• Limited understanding of mucosal immunity mechanisms across different anatomical sites and pathogens hinders vaccine design.
• Effective mucosal vaccine development requires addressing scientific challenges and fostering inter-sectoral collaboration.
• Global preparedness necessitates coordinated efforts to ensure equitable access to innovative immunization technologies.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming knowledge gaps in mucosal immunity is essential for developing safe and effective vaccines.
• International collaboration is critical for advancing mucosal immunization and achieving global health security.
• Engaging diverse stakeholders is key to ensuring vaccine equity and preparedness against infectious diseases.