Chitosan-based delivery systems for mucosal vaccines.
BACKGROUND
Mucosal vaccine development faces several challenges and opportunities. Critical issues for effective mucosal vaccination include the antigen-retention period that enables interaction with the lymphatic system, choice of adjuvant that is nontoxic and induces the required immune response and possibly an ability to mimic mucosal pathogens. Chitosan-based delivery systems are reviewed here as they address these issues and hence represent the most promising candidates for the delivery of mucosal vaccines.


METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted, to locate relevant studies published within the last 5 years. Mucosal delivery via nasal and oral routes is evaluated with respect to chitosan type, dosage forms, co-adjuvanting with novel adjuvants and modulation of the immune system.


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that chitosan derivatives offer advantageous opportunities such as nanoparticle and surface charge manipulation that facilitate vaccine targeting. Nevertheless, these technologies represent a longer-term goal. By contrast, chitosan (unmodified form) with or without a co-adjuvant has significant toxicology and human data to support safe mucosal administration, and thus has the potential for earlier product introduction into the market.
Archimedes Development Ltd, Albert Einstein Centre, Nottingham Science & Technology Park, University Boulevard, Nottingham, UK.
Inderjit
I
Jabbal-Gill
Peter
P
Watts
Alan
A
Smith
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D048271:Chitosan / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000379:methods*; D014612:Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D014612:Vaccines; D048271:Chitosan