Effective mucosal vaccines - opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Most pathogens enter the body through the surfaces of the mucous membranes, e.g. the nose or the intestines. The mucosal immune response is essential for the effective elimination of invading pathogens. Unfortunately, most vaccines which are administered intramuscularly by injection do not induce an adequate protective immune response on mucous membranes. For example, after intramuscular injection, the level of secretory IgA antibodies is low and often insufficient to successfully combat the pathogen. On the other hand, mucosal-induced immunity produces a long-lasting effect in the form of a local and systemic response to the pathogen. Moreover, the administration of such vaccines does not generate hazardous medical waste and their application does not require the presence of qualified medical personnel. Therefore, intensive research into vaccines administered via the mucosal route is ongoing. An obstacle in the development of mucosal vaccines is the natural defense mechanisms of the mucosa, the overcoming of which requires the use of specialized adjuvants. Currently, there are no such formulations on the market.