Liposome and polymer-based nanomaterials for vaccine applications

Nanoparticles (NPs) are effective and safe adjuvants for antigen delivery in modern vaccinology. Biodegradable nanomaterials with suitable properties are frequently applied for conjugation or loading with antigens; they protect the antigens from degradation in vivo. NPs are applied as effective delivery system to facilitate antigen uptake by antigen presenting cells (APCs) and especially dendritic cells (DCs) both in vitro and in vivo. Using nanoparticles to target DCs is an effective method to deliver antigens and potent immunomodulators. Uptake of NPs by DCs enhances the intracellular process of antigens and the antigen presentation pathway by MHC class I and II molecules to induce both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses. Liposome and polymer-based NPs are now extensively applied as effective adjuvants or immunomodulators in several types of vaccines. In this review, the nanomaterials for vaccine application are focused intensively in poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA), dendrimers, liposomes, nanogels and micelles which are the targeted antigen delivery system, and present high potential as a promising future strategy for DNA-based, bacterial and viral vaccines. Further advances in nanotechnology and molecular immunology techniques will enhance the success of targeting and lead to the next generation of nano-delivery systems.