Polymeric controlled delivery for immunization

Current vaccine technology has limitations; for example, most vaccines require repeat administration for long-term protection, and immunity at mucosal surfaces is difficult to achieve. In animal models, polymeric controlled-release systems provide long-lasting systemic or mucosal immunoprotection, often after a single administration. Polymeric devices that deliver a controlled amount of antibody can provide passive immunity against genital herpes infections in mice; orally administered polymeric-microsphere-based vaccines produce enhanced immune responses in rodents and primates. These new delivery technologies have many desirable features, and so their use in humans could have a substantial impact on worldwide public health.