Status and progress of research on mucosal vaccines / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Mucosal surfaces are a major portal of entry for many human pathogens that are the cause of infectious diseases. Vaccines that immunize by mucosal routes may induce protective immunity against mucosal pathogens at their sites of entry thus to be more effective and economical. We try to overview the status and progress of research on mucosal vaccines. METHODS: The databases of CNKI and Pubmed were used to search the related articles about mucosal vaccines with key words "mucosal vaccine, mucosal adjuvant, mucosal particulate delivery vectors" in Chinese and English. Articles closely related to mucosal vaccines were selected. RESULTS: Thirty-six articles were included at last. Live-attenuated or inactivated mucosal vaccines and vaccines based on new concepts such as subunit vaccines, virus-like particles and virosomes have been marketed, and related research work are undergoing. Safe and effective mucosal adjuvants and delivery vectors are being sought to enhance the magnitude and quality of the protective immune response. The composition, size, surface chemistry and ligands of particulate carrier systems may influence the efficacy. Great progress has been made in several particulate delivery systems. CONCLUSION: Although the research and development of mucosal vaccines are facing many difficulties and challenges, the progress of research work will bring new opportunities to mucosal vaccines development.