Vaccines

Research

17 pages, 5380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antigen-Dependent Adjuvanticity of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-polyethylene Glycol 25% Nanoparticles for Enhanced Vaccine Efficacy

by Minxuan Cui, Jiayue Xi, Zhuoyue Shi, Yupu Zhu, Zhengjun Ma, Muqiong Li, Qian Yang, Chaojun Song and Li Fan

Vaccines 2025, 13(3), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13030317 - 16 Mar 2025

Viewed by 728

Abstract

Background: A key component in modern vaccine development is the adjuvant, which enhances and/or modulates the antigen-specific immune response. In recent years, nanoparticle (NP)-based adjuvants have attracted much research attention owing to their ability to enhance vaccine potency. Nonetheless, how the selection [...] Read more.

Background: A key component in modern vaccine development is the adjuvant, which enhances and/or modulates the antigen-specific immune response. In recent years, nanoparticle (NP)-based adjuvants have attracted much research attention owing to their ability to enhance vaccine potency. Nonetheless, how the selection of different antigens influences the overall vaccine efficacy when combined with the same nanoparticle adjuvant is less discussed, which is important for practical applications. Methods: Non-toxic mutants of exotoxin Hla (rHlaH35L) and cell-wall-anchored protein SpA(rSpam) were covalently conjugated to Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) 25% NPs (25% NPs) as antigens to prepare nanovaccines. Antibody titers, cytokine secretion levels, and the antibody bacteriolytic capacity were tested to investigate immune activation. To evaluate the protective efficacy of the nanovaccine, immunized mice were challenged with S. aureus ATCC 25923 at three different lethal doses: 1 × LD₁₀₀, 2 × LD₁₀₀, and 4 × LD₁₀₀. Results: We showed that 25% NP-rHlaH35L nanovaccines were associated with more efficient humoral, cellular, and innate immune responses and protection potency compared with 25% NP-rSpam. Moreover, the overall vaccine potency of 25% NP-rHlaH35L was even better than the combination vaccination of both 25% NP-rHlaH35L and 25% NP-rSpam. In comparison to the clinically used aluminum (alum) adjuvant, the 25% NP adjuvants were found to stimulate humoral and cellular immune responses efficiently, irrespective of the antigen type. For antigens, either exotoxins or cell-wall-anchored proteins, the 25% NP-based vaccines show excellent protection for mice from S. aureus infection with survival rates of 100% after lethal challenge, which is significantly superior to the clinically used alum adjuvant. Moreover, due to the superior immune response elicited by 25% NP-rHlaH35L, the animals inoculated with this formulation survived even after two times the lethal dose of S. aureus administration. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the type of antigen plays a key role in determining the overall vaccine efficacy in the immune system when different kinds of antigens are conjugated with a specific nanoparticle adjuvant, paving a new way for vaccine design based on 25% NP adjuvants with enhanced potency and reduced side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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21 pages, 2838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Nanoparticle Comprising the Receptor-Binding Domains of Norovirus and Plasmodium as a Combination Vaccine Candidate

by Ming Xia, Pengwei Huang, Frank S. Vago, Wen Jiang, Xi Jiang and Ming Tan

Vaccines 2025, 13(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13010034 - 1 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1675

Abstract

Background: Noroviruses, which cause epidemic acute gastroenteritis, and Plasmodium parasites, which lead to malaria, are two infectious pathogens that pose threats to public health. The protruding (P) domain of norovirus VP1 and the αTSR domain of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of Plasmodium sporozoite [...] Read more.

Background: Noroviruses, which cause epidemic acute gastroenteritis, and Plasmodium parasites, which lead to malaria, are two infectious pathogens that pose threats to public health. The protruding (P) domain of norovirus VP1 and the αTSR domain of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of Plasmodium sporozoite are the glycan receptor-binding domains of the two pathogens for host cell attachment, making them excellent targets for vaccine development. Modified norovirus P domains self-assemble into a 24-meric octahedral P nanoparticle (P₂₄ NP). Methods: We generated a unique P₂₄-αTSR NP by inserting the αTSR domain into a surface loop of the P domain. The P-αTSR fusion proteins were produced in the Escherichia coli expression system and the fusion protein self-assembled into the P₂₄-αTSR NP. Results: The formation of the P₂₄-αTSR NP was demonstrated through gel filtration, electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. A 3D structural model of the P₂₄-αTSR NP was constructed, using the known cryo-EM structure of the previously developed P₂₄ NP and P₂₄-VP8* NP as templates. Each P₂₄-αTSR NP consists of a P₂₄ NP core, with 24 surface-exposed αTSR domains that have retained their general conformations and binding function to heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The P₂₄-αTSR NP is immunogenic, eliciting strong antibody responses in mice toward both the norovirus P domain and the αTSR domain of Plasmodium CSP. Notably, sera from mice immunized with the P₂₄-αTSR NP bound strongly to Plasmodium sporozoites and blocked norovirus VLP attachment to their glycan receptors. Conclusion: These data suggest that the P₂₄-αTSR NP may serve as a combination vaccine against both norovirus and Plasmodium parasites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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17 pages, 4442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pichia pastoris-Derived β-Glucan Capsules as a Delivery System for DNA Vaccines

by Samara Sousa de Pinho, Maria da Conceição Viana Invenção, Anna Jéssica Duarte Silva, Larissa Silva de Macêdo, Benigno Cristofer Flores Espinoza, Lígia Rosa Sales Leal, Marco Antonio Turiah Machado da Gama, Ingrid Andrêssa de Moura, Micaela Evellin dos Santos Silva, Débora Vitória Santos de Souza, Marina Linhares Lara, Julia Nayane Soares Azevedo Alves and Antonio Carlos de Freitas

Vaccines 2024, 12(12), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12121428 - 18 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1017

Abstract

Background/Objectives: DNA vaccines are rapidly produced and adaptable to different pathogens, but they face considerable challenges regarding stability and delivery to the cellular target. Thus, effective delivery methods are essential for the success of these vaccines. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of capsules [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: DNA vaccines are rapidly produced and adaptable to different pathogens, but they face considerable challenges regarding stability and delivery to the cellular target. Thus, effective delivery methods are essential for the success of these vaccines. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of capsules derived from the cell wall of the yeast Pichia pastoris as a delivery system for DNA vaccines. Methods: The capsules were extracted from the yeast Pichia pastoris strain GS115, previously grown in a YPD medium. pVAX1 expression vector was adopted to evaluate the DNA vaccine insertion and delivery. Three encapsulation protocols were tested to identify the most effective in internalizing the plasmid. The presence of plasmids inside the capsules was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy, and the encapsulation efficiency was calculated by the difference between the initial concentration of DNA used for insertion and the concentration of unencapsulated DNA contained in the supernatant. The capsules were subjected to different temperatures to evaluate their thermostability and were co-cultured with macrophages for phagocytosis analysis. HEK-293T cells were adopted to assess the cytotoxicity levels by MTT assay. Results: The microscopy results indicated that the macrophages successfully phagocytosed the capsules. Among the protocols tested for encapsulation, the one with 2% polyethylenimine for internalization showed the highest efficiency, with an encapsulation rate above 80%. However, the vaccine capsules obtained with the protocol that used 5% NaCl showed better thermal stability and encapsulation efficiency above 63% without induction of cell viability loss in HEK 293T. Conclusions: We successfully described a vaccine delivery system using yeast capsules derived from Pichia pastoris, demonstrating its potential for DNA vaccine delivery for the first time. Additional studies will be needed to characterize and improve this delivery strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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12 pages, 792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polymeric Caffeic Acid Acts as an Antigen Delivery Carrier for Mucosal Vaccine Formulation by Forming a Complex with an Antigenic Protein

by Rui Tada, Yuzuho Nagai, Miki Ogasawara, Momoko Saito, Akihiro Ohshima, Daisuke Yamanaka, Jun Kunisawa, Yoshiyuki Adachi and Yoichi Negishi

Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050449 - 23 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1789

Abstract

The development of mucosal vaccines, which can generate antigen-specific immune responses in both the systemic and mucosal compartments, has been recognized as an effective strategy for combating infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microbes. Our recent research has focused on creating a nasal vaccine [...] Read more.

The development of mucosal vaccines, which can generate antigen-specific immune responses in both the systemic and mucosal compartments, has been recognized as an effective strategy for combating infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microbes. Our recent research has focused on creating a nasal vaccine system in mice using enzymatically polymerized caffeic acid (pCA). However, we do not yet understand the molecular mechanisms by which pCA stimulates antigen-specific mucosal immune responses. In this study, we hypothesized that pCA might activate mucosal immunity at the site of administration based on our previous findings that pCA possesses immune-activating properties. However, contrary to our initial hypothesis, the intranasal administration of pCA did not enhance the expression of various genes involved in mucosal immune responses, including the enhancement of IgA responses. Therefore, we investigated whether pCA forms a complex with antigenic proteins and enhances antigen delivery to mucosal dendritic cells located in the lamina propria beneath the mucosal epithelial layer. Data from gel filtration chromatography indicated that pCA forms a complex with the antigenic protein ovalbumin (OVA). Furthermore, we examined the promotion of OVA delivery to nasal mucosal dendritic cells (mDCs) after the intranasal administration of pCA in combination with OVA and found that OVA uptake by mDCs was increased. Therefore, the data from gel filtration chromatography and flow cytometry imply that pCA enhances antigen-specific antibody production in both mucosal and systemic compartments by serving as an antigen-delivery vehicle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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17 pages, 2919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vaccination-Route-Dependent Adjuvanticity of Antigen-Carrying Nanoparticles for Enhanced Vaccine Efficacy

by Chaojun Song, Jinwei Hu, Yutao Liu, Yi Tian, Yupu Zhu, Jiayue Xi, Minxuan Cui, Xiaolei Wang, Bao-Zhong Zhang, Li Fan and Quan Li

Vaccines 2024, 12(2), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12020125 - 26 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2378

Abstract

Vaccination-route-dependent adjuvanticity was identified as being associated with the specific features of antigen-carrying nanoparticles (NPs) in the present work. Here, we demonstrated that the mechanical properties and the decomposability of NP adjuvants play key roles in determining the antigen accessibility and thus the [...] Read more.

Vaccination-route-dependent adjuvanticity was identified as being associated with the specific features of antigen-carrying nanoparticles (NPs) in the present work. Here, we demonstrated that the mechanical properties and the decomposability of NP adjuvants play key roles in determining the antigen accessibility and thus the overall vaccine efficacy in the immune system when different vaccination routes were employed. We showed that soft nano-vaccines were associated with more efficient antigen uptake when administering subcutaneous (S.C.) vaccination, while the slow decomposition of hard nano-vaccines promoted antigen uptake when intravenous (I.V.) vaccination was employed. In comparison to the clinically used aluminum (Alum) adjuvant, the NP adjuvants were found to stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses efficiently, irrespective of the vaccination route. For vaccination via S.C. and I.V. alike, the NP-based vaccines show excellent protection for mice from Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection, and their survival rates are 100% after lethal challenge, being much superior to the clinically used Alum adjuvant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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20 pages, 11158 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Thermal-Stable Protein Nanoparticle That Stimulates Long Lasting Humoral Immune Response

by Ten-Tsao Wong, Gunn-Guang Liou and Ming-Chung Kan

Vaccines 2023, 11(2), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11020426 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3357

Abstract

A thermally stable vaccine platform is considered the missing piece of vaccine technology. In this article, we reported the creation of a novel protein nanoparticle and assessed its ability to withstand extended high temperature incubation while stimulating a long-lasting humoral immune response. This [...] Read more.

A thermally stable vaccine platform is considered the missing piece of vaccine technology. In this article, we reported the creation of a novel protein nanoparticle and assessed its ability to withstand extended high temperature incubation while stimulating a long-lasting humoral immune response. This protein nanoparticle was assembled from a fusion protein composed of an amphipathic helical peptide derived from the M2 protein of the H5N1 influenza virus (AH3) and a superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP). Its proposed structure was modeled according to transmission electronic microscope (TEM) images of protein nanoparticles. From this proposed protein model, we created a mutant with two gain-of-function mutations that work synergistically on particle stability. A protein nanoparticle assembled from this gain-of-function mutant is able to remove a hydrophobic patch from its surface. This gain-of-function mutant also contributes to the higher thermostability of protein nanoparticles and stimulates a long lasting humoral immune response after a single immunization. This assembled nanoparticle showed increasing particle stability at higher temperatures and salt concentrations. This novel protein nanoparticle may serve as a thermally-stable platform for vaccine development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 1955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development of Surface-Modified Liposomes as an Intranasal Delivery System for Group A Streptococcus Vaccines

by Jieru Yang, Jennifer C. Boer, Mattaka Khongkow, Sarunya Phunpee, Zeinab G. Khalil, Sahra Bashiri, Cyril Deceneux, Georgia Goodchild, Waleed M. Hussein, Robert J. Capon, Uracha Ruktanonchai, Magdalena Plebanski, Istvan Toth and Mariusz Skwarczynski

Vaccines 2023, 11(2), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11020305 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2620

Abstract

Intranasal vaccine administration can overcome the disadvantages of injectable vaccines and present greater efficiency for mass immunization. However, the development of intranasal vaccines is challenged by poor mucosal immunogenicity of antigens and the limited availability of mucosal adjuvants. Here, we examined a number [...] Read more.

Intranasal vaccine administration can overcome the disadvantages of injectable vaccines and present greater efficiency for mass immunization. However, the development of intranasal vaccines is challenged by poor mucosal immunogenicity of antigens and the limited availability of mucosal adjuvants. Here, we examined a number of self-adjuvanting liposomal systems for intranasal delivery of lipopeptide vaccine against group A Streptococcus (GAS). Among them, two liposome formulations bearing lipidated cell-penetrating peptide KALA and a new lipidated chitosan derivative (oleoyl-quaternized chitosan, OTMC) stimulated high systemic antibody titers in outbred mice. The antibodies were fully functional and were able to kill GAS bacteria. Importantly, OTMC was far more effective at stimulating antibody production than the classical immune-stimulating trimethyl chitosan formulation. In a simple physical mixture, OTMC also enhanced the immune responses of the tested vaccine, without the need for a liposome delivery system. The adjuvanting capacity of OTMC was further confirmed by its ability to stimulate cytokine production by dendritic cells. Thus, we discovered a new immune stimulant with promising properties for mucosal vaccine development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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18 pages, 3456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immune Enhancement of Nanoparticle-Encapsulated Ginseng Stem-Leaf Saponins on Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Vaccine in Mice

by Fei Su, Lihua Xu, Yin Xue, Wei Xu, Junxing Li, Bin Yu, Shiyi Ye and Xiufang Yuan

Vaccines 2022, 10(11), 1810; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10111810 - 27 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2571

Abstract

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes severe enteric disease in pigs, particularly neonatal piglets. Current vaccines do not provide complete protection against PEDV. Ginseng stem-leaf saponins (GSLS), a promising oral adjuvant candidate, can improve intestinal immune responses in poultry and mice. However, its [...] Read more.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes severe enteric disease in pigs, particularly neonatal piglets. Current vaccines do not provide complete protection against PEDV. Ginseng stem-leaf saponins (GSLS), a promising oral adjuvant candidate, can improve intestinal immune responses in poultry and mice. However, its low stability limits further use. Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), a biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticle, has been widely used in biomedicine for stable and targeted drug delivery. In this study, we developed GSLS-PLGA nanoparticles (GSLS-NPs) and evaluated the mucosal adjuvant efficacy in vitro and in vivo. GSLS-NPs significantly enhanced antigen internalization and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion by DC2.4 cells. Mice orally administered GSLS-NPs before intramuscular inoculation generated CD11b⁺CD8α⁻ and CD11b⁻CD103⁺ dendritic cells in the spleen and draining mesenteric lymph nodes, respectively, which are the types mainly responsible for antigen presentation. Additionally, enhanced neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibody responses and expanded activities of specific effector and memory CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells were also observed in mice immunized with PEDV vaccines plus GSLS-NPs compared to mice receiving the vaccines alone. Furthermore, GSLS-NPs showed a good safety profile and presented great advantages over GSLS aqueous solution. Collectively, our results highlight the potential of GSLS-NPs as a mucosal adjuvant and provide an attractive vaccination strategy for combatting PEDV. Further study is required to evaluate the efficacy of this mucosal adjuvant in swine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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Review

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38 pages, 3066 KiB

Open AccessReview

Revolutionizing Nanovaccines: A New Era of Immunization

by Mohammed Saleh, Ahmed El-Moghazy, Adel H. Elgohary, WesamEldin I. A. Saber and Yosra A. Helmy

Vaccines 2025, 13(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13020126 - 27 Jan 2025

Viewed by 2863

Abstract

Infectious diseases continue to pose a significant global health threat. To combat these challenges, innovative vaccine technologies are urgently needed. Nanoparticles (NPs) have unique properties and have emerged as a promising platform for developing next-generation vaccines. Nanoparticles are revolutionizing the field of vaccine [...] Read more.

Infectious diseases continue to pose a significant global health threat. To combat these challenges, innovative vaccine technologies are urgently needed. Nanoparticles (NPs) have unique properties and have emerged as a promising platform for developing next-generation vaccines. Nanoparticles are revolutionizing the field of vaccine development, offering a new era of immunization. They allow the creation of more effective, stable, and easily deliverable vaccines. Various types of NPs, including lipid, polymeric, metal, and virus-like particles, can be employed to encapsulate and deliver vaccine components, such as mRNA or protein antigens. These NPs protect antigens from degradation, target them to specific immune cells, and enhance antigen presentation, leading to robust and durable immune responses. Additionally, NPs can simultaneously deliver multiple vaccine components, including antigens, and adjuvants, in a single formulation, simplifying vaccine production and administration. Nanovaccines offer a promising approach to combat food- and water-borne bacterial diseases, surpassing traditional formulations. Further research is needed to address the global burden of these infections. This review highlights the potential of NPs to revolutionize vaccine platforms. We explore their mechanisms of action, current applications, and emerging trends. The review discusses the limitations of nanovaccines, innovative solutions and the potential role of artificial intelligence in developing more effective and accessible nanovaccines to combat infectious diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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22 pages, 3048 KiB

Open AccessReview

Regulating Immune Responses Induced by PEGylated Messenger RNA–Lipid Nanoparticle Vaccine

by Hyein Jo, Jaewhoon Jeoung, Wonho Kim and Dooil Jeoung

Vaccines 2025, 13(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13010014 - 27 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1618

Abstract

Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics have shown remarkable progress in the treatment and prevention of diseases. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown great successes in delivering mRNAs. After an mRNA-LNP vaccine enters a cell via an endosome, mRNA is translated into an antigen, which can [...] Read more.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics have shown remarkable progress in the treatment and prevention of diseases. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown great successes in delivering mRNAs. After an mRNA-LNP vaccine enters a cell via an endosome, mRNA is translated into an antigen, which can activate adaptive immunity. mRNAs can bind to various pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including toll-like receptors (TLRs), and increase the production of inflammatory cytokines. This review summarizes mechanisms of innate immunity induced by mRNAs. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been employed as a component of the mRNA-LNP vaccine. PEGylated nanoparticles display enhanced stability by preventing aggregation of particles. However, PEGylation can cause adverse reactions, including blood clearance (ABC) of nanoparticles via complement activation and anaphylaxis. Mechanisms of PEG-induced ABC phenomenon and anaphylaxis are presented and discussed. There have been studies aimed at reducing immune responses associated with PEG to make safe and effective vaccines. Effects of modifying or replacing PEG in reducing immune responses associated with PEGylated nanoparticles are also discussed. Modifying mRNA can induce immune tolerance, which can prevent hypersensitivity reactions induced by PEGylated mRNA-LNP vaccines. Current progress of immune tolerance induction in association with mRNA-LNP is also summarized. This review might be helpful for developing safe and effective PEGylated mRNA-LNP vaccines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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30 pages, 1443 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Vaccine Adjuvants for Teleost Fish: Implications for Aquatic Welfare and the Potential of Nanoparticle-Based Formulations

by Iosif Tammas, Konstantina Bitchava and Athanasios I. Gelasakis

Vaccines 2024, 12(12), 1347; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12121347 - 28 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1836

Abstract

Vaccine adjuvants are crucial for reinforcing the immunogenicity of vaccines. Therefore, they are widely used in the aquaculture sector as vaccine components, facilitating the efficient prevention of infectious diseases and promoting sustainable teleost fish growth. Despite their benefits, there has been a growing [...] Read more.

Vaccine adjuvants are crucial for reinforcing the immunogenicity of vaccines. Therefore, they are widely used in the aquaculture sector as vaccine components, facilitating the efficient prevention of infectious diseases and promoting sustainable teleost fish growth. Despite their benefits, there has been a growing concern about the potential adverse effects of vaccine adjuvants in teleost fish, connoting a valid impact on their overall health and welfare. Among the adjuvants used in aquaculture vaccinology, nanoparticle-based formulations have given rise to a promising new alternative to traditional options, such as oil-based emulsions and aluminum compounds, offering the benefit of minimizing relevant side effects. The aim of this paper was to review the current status of the adjuvants used in aquaculture, provide a description and an evaluation of their mode of action and side effects, and explore the potential use of nanoparticle formulations as adjuvants to improve the efficacy of aquaculture vaccines. By demonstrating and assessing the equilibrium between teleost fish welfare and immunological efficacy, this review presents a collective perspective that will assist in establishing a framework for the utilization of effective species-specific practices around adjuvant use in aquaculture, while also addressing the challenges of welfare-friendly immunization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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25 pages, 4081 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancements in Nanoparticle-Based Adjuvants for Enhanced Tuberculosis Vaccination: A Review

by Jiao Wang, Zian Zhao, Quan Wang, Jingyu Shi, Duo Wai-Chi Wong and James Chung-Wai Cheung

Vaccines 2024, 12(12), 1335; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12121335 - 27 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1261

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of more effective vaccines. Nanoparticle-based adjuvants represent a promising approach to enhancing tuberculosis vaccine efficacy. This review focuses on the advantages of nanoparticulate-loaded vaccines, emphasizing their ability to improve [...] Read more.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of more effective vaccines. Nanoparticle-based adjuvants represent a promising approach to enhancing tuberculosis vaccine efficacy. This review focuses on the advantages of nanoparticulate-loaded vaccines, emphasizing their ability to improve antigen delivery, safety, and immunogenicity. We discuss the various types of nanoparticles and their unique physicochemical properties that contribute to improved antigen delivery and sustained immune activation. Additionally, we highlight the advantages of nanoparticle-based adjuvants in inducing strong cellular and humoral immunity, enhancing vaccine stability, and reducing adverse effects. Finally, we address current challenges and future perspectives in the application of these novel adjuvants, emphasizing their potential to transform TB vaccine strategies and ultimately contribute to better global health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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20 pages, 2277 KiB

Open AccessReview

Efficiency of Chitosan Nanocarriers in Vaccinology for Mucosal Immunization

by Salvatore Calogero Gaglio, Massimiliano Perduca, Donato Zipeto and Giuseppe Bardi

Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1333; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081333 - 6 Aug 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3308

Abstract

The mucosal barrier constitutes a huge surface area, close to 40 m² in humans, located mostly in the respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts and ocular cavities. It plays a crucial role in tissue interactions with the microbiome, dietary antigens and other environmental [...] Read more.

The mucosal barrier constitutes a huge surface area, close to 40 m² in humans, located mostly in the respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts and ocular cavities. It plays a crucial role in tissue interactions with the microbiome, dietary antigens and other environmental materials. Effective vaccinations to achieve highly protective mucosal immunity are evolving strategies to counteract several serious diseases including tuberculosis, diphtheria, influenzae B, severe acute respiratory syndrome, Human Papilloma Virus infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Interestingly, one of the reasons behind the rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants has been the weakness of local immunization at the level of the respiratory mucosa. Mucosal vaccines can outperform parenteral vaccination as they specifically elicit protective mucosal immune responses blocking infection and transmission. In this scenario, chitosan-based nanovaccines are promising adjuvants-carrier systems that rely on the ability of chitosan to cross tight junctions and enhance particle uptake due to chitosan-specific mucoadhesive properties. Indeed, chitosan not only improves the adhesion of antigens to the mucosa promoting their absorption but also shows intrinsic immunostimulant abilities. Furthermore, by finely tuning the colloidal properties of chitosan, it can provide sustained antigen release to strongly activate the humoral defense. In the present review, we agnostically discuss the potential reasons why chitosan-based vaccine carriers, that efficiently elicit strong immune responses in experimental setups and in some pre-clinical/clinical studies, are still poorly considered for therapeutic formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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22 pages, 2956 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanoparticle-Based Adjuvants and Delivery Systems for Modern Vaccines

by Brankica Filipić, Ivana Pantelić, Ines Nikolić, Dragomira Majhen, Zorica Stojić-Vukanić, Snežana Savić and Danina Krajišnik

Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071172 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 8001

Abstract

Ever since the development of the first vaccine, vaccination has had the great impact on global health, leading to the decrease in the burden of numerous infectious diseases. However, there is a constant need to improve existing vaccines and develop new vaccination strategies [...] Read more.

Ever since the development of the first vaccine, vaccination has had the great impact on global health, leading to the decrease in the burden of numerous infectious diseases. However, there is a constant need to improve existing vaccines and develop new vaccination strategies and vaccine platforms that induce a broader immune response compared to traditional vaccines. Modern vaccines tend to rely on certain nanotechnology platforms but are still expected to be readily available and easy for large-scale manufacturing and to induce a durable immune response. In this review, we present an overview of the most promising nanoadjuvants and nanoparticulate delivery systems and discuss their benefits from tehchnological and immunological standpoints as well as their objective drawbacks and possible side effects. The presented nano alums, silica and clay nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, adenoviral-vectored systems, adeno-associated viral vectors, vesicular stomatitis viral vectors, lentiviral vectors, virus-like particles (including bacteriophage-based ones) and virosomes indicate that vaccine developers can now choose different adjuvants and/or delivery systems as per the requirement, specific to combatting different infectious diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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39 pages, 2503 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vaccination Strategies Based on Bacterial Self-Assembling Proteins as Antigen Delivery Nanoscaffolds

by Félix Lamontagne, Vinay Khatri, Philippe St-Louis, Steve Bourgault and Denis Archambault

Vaccines 2022, 10(11), 1920; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10111920 - 13 Nov 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4986

Abstract

Vaccination has saved billions of human lives and has considerably reduced the economic burden associated with pandemic and endemic infectious diseases. Notwithstanding major advancements in recent decades, multitude diseases remain with no available effective vaccine. While subunit-based vaccines have shown great potential to [...] Read more.

Vaccination has saved billions of human lives and has considerably reduced the economic burden associated with pandemic and endemic infectious diseases. Notwithstanding major advancements in recent decades, multitude diseases remain with no available effective vaccine. While subunit-based vaccines have shown great potential to address the safety concerns of live-attenuated vaccines, their limited immunogenicity remains a major drawback that still needs to be addressed for their use fighting infectious illnesses, autoimmune disorders, and/or cancer. Among the adjuvants and delivery systems for antigens, bacterial proteinaceous supramolecular structures have recently received considerable attention. The use of bacterial proteins with self-assembling properties to deliver antigens offers several advantages, including biocompatibility, stability, molecular specificity, symmetrical organization, and multivalency. Bacterial protein nanoassemblies closely simulate most invading pathogens, acting as an alarm signal for the immune system to mount an effective adaptive immune response. Their nanoscale architecture can be precisely controlled at the atomic level to produce a variety of nanostructures, allowing for infinite possibilities of organized antigen display. For the bottom-up design of the proteinaceous antigen delivery scaffolds, it is essential to understand how the structural and physicochemical properties of the nanoassemblies modulate the strength and polarization of the immune responses. The present review first describes the relationships between structure and the generated immune responses, before discussing potential and current clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

9 pages, 3784 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Demonstration of Tunable Control over a Delayed-Release Vaccine Using Atomic Layer Deposition

by Sky W. Brubaker, Isabella R. Walters, Emily M. Hite, Lorena R. Antunez, Emma L. Palm, Hans H. Funke and Bryan L. Steadman

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070761 - 11 Jul 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1700

Abstract

Many vaccines require multiple doses for full efficacy, posing a barrier for patient adherence and protection. One solution to achieve full vaccination may be attained with single-administration vaccines containing multiple controlled release doses. In this study, delayed-release vaccines were generated using atomic layer [...] Read more.

Many vaccines require multiple doses for full efficacy, posing a barrier for patient adherence and protection. One solution to achieve full vaccination may be attained with single-administration vaccines containing multiple controlled release doses. In this study, delayed-release vaccines were generated using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to coat antigen-containing powders with alumina. Using in vitro and in vivo methods, we show that increasing the coat thickness controls the kinetics of antigen release and antibody response, ranging from weeks to months. Our results establish an in vitro–in vivo correlation with a level of tunable control over the antigen release and antibody response times with the potential to impact future vaccine design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)

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