title: Nanoengineering of vaccines using natural polysaccharides.
abstract: Currently, there are over 70 licensed vaccines, which prevent the pathogenesis of around 30 viruses and bacteria. Nevertheless, there are still important challenges in this area, which include the development of more active, non-invasive, and thermo-resistant vaccines. Important biotechnological advances have led to safer subunit antigens, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. However, their limited immunogenicity has demanded potent adjuvants that can strengthen the immune response. Particulate nanocarriers hold a high potential as adjuvants in vaccination. Due to their pathogen-like size and structure, they can enhance immune responses by mimicking the natural infection process. Additionally, they can be tailored for non-invasive mucosal administration (needle-free vaccination), and control the delivery of the associated antigens to a specific location and for prolonged times, opening room for single-dose vaccination. Moreover, they allow co-association of immunostimulatory molecules to improve the overall adjuvant capacity. The natural and ubiquitous character of polysaccharides, together with their intrinsic immunomodulating properties, their biocompatibility, and biodegradability, justify their interest in the engineering of nanovaccines. In this review, we aim to provide a state-of-the-art overview regarding the application of nanotechnology in vaccine delivery, with a focus on the most recent advances in the development and application of polysaccharide-based antigen nanocarriers.
authors.affiliation: Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Nano-oncologicals Lab, Translational Medical Oncology group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Hospital Complex of Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: Ana Sara
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Cordeiro
authors.affiliation: Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: María José
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Alonso
authors.affiliation: Nano-oncologicals Lab, Translational Medical Oncology group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Hospital Complex of Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Electronic address: maria.de.la.fuente.freire@sergas.es.
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de la Fuente
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D000941:Antigens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D048271:Chitosan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D003911:Dextrans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008351:Mannans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D014612:Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000941:Antigens; D003911:Dextrans; D008351:Mannans; D011134:Polysaccharides; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014612:Vaccines; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; D047071:beta-Glucans; D048271:Chitosan
keywords: Adjuvants; Antigen delivery; Antigens; Nanovaccine; Needle-free vaccination; Polysaccharides