Nanoparticles, immunomodulation and vaccine delivery

Sue D. Xiang, Martina Fuchsberger, Tanya De L. Karlson, Charles L. Hardy, Cordelia Selomulya, Magdalena Plebanski

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (Book)Otherpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Interest in nanoparticles and their use as vaccine carriers and adjuvants has greatly increased in recent times. However, despite current intense research in this fi eld, the ways in which the immune system responds to nanoscale particulates are still being defi ned. This chapter will review the physical and chemical characteristics of nanoparticles 1-1000 nm in diameter, considering size, shape, surface charge and chemistry, and their effects on the immune system, including drainage to the lymph nodes (LNs), uptake by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and the triggering of intracellular signalling pathways. We examine how particle size affects nanoparticle uptake by the key innate stimulators of the immune system, i.e., dendritic cells (DCs), and how nanoparticles modulate DCs and the induction of multiple arms of the immune response, including antibody production and CD4 and CD8 T cell responses via conventional and cross-priming pathways. We further discuss how inert nanoparticles, which by themselves may not necessarily promote the signifi cant infl ammation usually associated with adjuvants, can nevertheless induce powerful immunity, suggesting nanotechnology has outstanding potential to deliver safe synthetic vaccines against today's major diseases such as cancer and malaria. Biodegradable or biocompatible nanoparticles, such as polymeric particles, chitosan, polystyrene, gold/silver particles and magnetic/metallic particles, are discussed in relation to the induction of immune responses and vaccine formulations. An indepth understanding of how nanoparticles physicochemically modulate the immune system supports the rational development of nanoparticle-based vaccines, as well as safe nanoparticulate drug delivery systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEngineered Nanomaterials and the Immune Cell Function
PublisherWorld Scientific Publishing
Pages101-127
Number of pages27
Volume3
ISBN (Electronic)9789814699174
ISBN (Print)9789814699167
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2016

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