Title:Overview on Inhalable Nanocarriers for Respiratory Immunization
Volume: 23
Issue: 40
Author(s): Rui C. Ferreira, Hermenegildo Neves, Joao F. Pinto and Carla M. Lopes*
Affiliation:
- Fernando Pessoa Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit/ Biomedical Research Center (FP-ENAS/CEBIMED), Faculty of Health Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University, Rua Carlos da Maia n° 296, P-4200-150 Porto,Portugal
Keywords:
Inhalable nanocarriers, respiratory immunization, airway mucosa, polymeric nanocarriers, lipid nanocarriers, inorganic nanocarriers.
Abstract: Despite the value of vaccination, the control of re-emerging infectious and non-infectious diseases
remains a challenge for researchers. In this topic, mucosal immunization, in particular at airway mucosa, is receiving
increased investigational focus. Innovative vaccine platforms to deliver immunogens with or without
adjuvants in a safe and stable manner have been explored to improve vaccine efficacy and induce long-term and
protective immunity. This review provides an overview of the features of respiratory immunization and the fate of
inhalable nanocarriers in the respiratory tract. The review also highlights the most representative delivery approaches
based on inhalable nanocarriers, including polymeric, lipid and inorganic-based nanosystems, which can
enhance vaccine uptake by antigen-presenting cells. The review takes into consideration the most relevant and
recent in vivo studies to provide readers a realistic insight into the potential of these technologies in the advantages
and potential hurdles to clinical and commercial success of these platforms for vaccination.
