Sharma / Alam Mucosal Vaccine Delivery Systems: The Future of Immunization (Part 1)

1. Auflage 2025
ISBN: 978-981-5324-57-0
Verlag: De Gruyter
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: 0 - No protection

E-Book, Englisch, 273 Seiten

Mucosal Vaccine Delivery Systems: The Future of Immunization - Part I presents a pioneering exploration into the realm of mucosal vaccination, covering innovative delivery platforms, immunological mechanisms, and their diverse applications in human and veterinary medicine. This comprehensive volume examines the regulatory, economic, and technological landscapes shaping mucosal vaccine development, highlighting their pivotal role in combating infectious diseases, chronic ailments, and advancing cancer immunotherapy. Key Features: - Detailed insights into nasal, oral, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and urogenital vaccination. - Analysis of mucosal vaccines in pediatric and elderly healthcare. - Exploration of adjuvants, bioprocessing challenges, and commercialization trends. - Contributions from leading researchers in the field.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Sharma, Shaweta

Alam, Aftab

Sharma, Akhil

Fachgebiete

• Technische Wissenschaften Sonstige Technologien | Angewandte Technik Medizintechnik, Biomedizintechnik
• Medizin | Veterinärmedizin Medizin | Public Health | Pharmazie | Zahnmedizin Medizin, Gesundheitswesen Medizintechnik, Biomedizintechnik, Medizinische Werkstoffe

Leseproben

Mucosal Delivery Platforms: A Comprehensive Overview

Sudhir Kumar1, *, Shekhar Sharma2, Rupali Sharma3, Alok Bhardwaj2, Koushal Dhamija2

1 Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, DAV University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India

2 Lloyd Institute of Management & Technology, Plot No.-11, Knowledge Park-II, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh-201306, India

3 Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram, India

Abstract

Drug administration using mucosal delivery platforms holds great promise because of several advantages, including quick response, bypassing first-pass metabolism, and increased patient adherence. However, the effective exploitation and shaping of these avenues depend on deep knowledge of immunology principles at the mucosa. The oral, nasal, pulmonary, vaginal, rectal, and ocular mucosae are equipped with intricate defense systems executed by innate as well as adaptive immunity. This chapter explores the intersection of mucosal delivery platforms and mucosal immunity. Beginning with an introduction to mucosal delivery and its importance in drug delivery, we delve into the challenges of mucosal barriers, clearance mechanisms, and immunogenicity. It is very important to comprehend how mucosal immunity works, which includes the function of epithelial cells, dendritic cells, T cells, and innate lymphoid cells in defending the body. Furthermore, we examine common mucosal delivery platforms such as lipid-based formulations, nanoparticles, hydrogels, and microneedle patches, highlighting their applications in vaccine delivery, protein therapeutics, small molecule drugs, and gene therapy. Nanotechnology, targeted delivery systems, and immunomodulatory strategies are also being discussed. Regarding safety profiles and commercialization aspects, this chapter attempts to understand the current market scenario and prospects for mucosal delivery platforms. This overview aims to promote advances in drug delivery technologies and improve healthcare outcomes by connecting the gap between mucosal delivery and mucosal immunity.

Keywords: Enzymatic degradation, Immunogenicity, Innate lymphoid cells, Mucosal drug delivery, Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, Mucociliary clearance, Nasal mucosa, Oral mucosa, Ocular mucosa, Pulmonary mucosa, Rectal mucosa, Vaginal mucosa.

* Corresponding author Sudhir Kumar: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, DAV University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India; E-mail: [e-mail]

INTRODUCTION

Drug delivery is a field that has witnessed numerous advancements in recent years. Mucosal drug delivery systems, which include different types of formulations and technologies, have emerged as one of the most promising approaches to drug administration. Such platforms are designed specifically for easier and more effective ways of getting drugs delivered through mucosal surfaces such as oral, nasal, pulmonary, vaginal, rectal, and ocular mucosa. The development of these systems came about due to growing awareness of some benefits of the mucosal route, such as enhancement in drug absorption rates, fast onset of effect, and improved patient compliance. By exploiting the porous properties of mucosae and circumventing challenges like first-pass metabolism or systemic toxicities witnessed by conventional routes of administration, new paradigms in drug delivery can be actualized through this method [1, 2].

The significance of mucosal delivery in drug administration must be emphasized. It is different from traditional methods such as oral ingestion or intravenous injection since it provides access to systemic circulation through highly vascularized and large mucosal surfaces. By so doing, absorption becomes more effective because drugs can move directly into the blood system. Besides this, there are times when a conventional route might not work at all, like in cases where drugs should be delivered to inaccessible parts of the body or on the other side of barriers such as the blood-brain barrier [3].

Mucosal delivery platforms’ efficacy depends on understanding mucosal immunity and its complicated mechanisms. Mucosal surfaces are passive pathways through which drugs are absorbed and are a dynamic territory with a complex immune system. The mucosal immune system is the first line of defense against pathogens, toxins, and any other foreign invaders and thus helps to maintain tissue homeostasis and prevent infection. Immune responses in mucosal tissues are coordinated by specialized immune cells (epithelial cells, dendritic cells, T cells, innate lymphoid cells) adapted to their unique microenvironments [4].

Besides local defense mechanisms, mucosal immunity exhibits generalized systemic effects that affect immune responses. Applying these principles of mucosal immunity can help researchers develop ways to enhance the effectiveness and safety of such delivery platforms. Incorporating mucosal immunology into drug delivery design offers enormous opportunities to develop therapeutic interventions in different medical areas, from vaccination and immunotherapy to inflammatory conditions, infectious diseases, or cancer treatment [5, 6].

CONVENTIONAL vs. NOVEL APPROACHES FOR MUCOSAL DELIVERY

Common practices involved in mucosal drug delivery are usually based on standardized procedures like oral tablets, nasal sprays, suppositories, or vaginal creams. Although well-known and considered standard practices, they come with challenges such as poor drug bioavailability, enzyme degradation, and differing absorption rates over different membranes. More so, it may not cater to specific administration and controlled release of drugs [7].

In contrast, novel mucosal delivery techniques use advanced technologies and creative formulations to overcome these shortcomings. One such approach is nanotechnology, where nanoparticles and nanocarriers are engineered to encapsulate drugs, shield them from degradation, and enhance their transport across mucosal barriers. Particular characteristics like mucoadhesion, controlled release, and targeted delivery can be designed to improve drug delivery efficiency and accuracy to mucosal tissues [8].

In addition, innovative techniques might include mucoadhesive plus permeation-enhancing formulations that enhance drug retention and absorption at mucosal surfaces. For example, mucoadhesive hydrogels stick to mucosal tissues after they are used, elongating the drug duration in the body and enhancing their absorption. Conversely, these enhancers open temporary channels that let drugs cross the mucous membrane barriers and through epithelial membranes.

In addition, novel approaches have come up via the conjugation of drugs and prodrugs that will aid in mucosal drug delivery. By developing prodrug formulations or conjugating drugs with targeting ligands, researchers can develop better drug stability, tissue specificity, and less off-target effects. This will improve therapeutic outcomes [9].

Although traditional methods of delivering drugs to mucosal membranes are restricted in their scope, novel methodologies provide a promising solution that likely includes enhanced drug bioavailability, target-specific tissues, and better patient outcomes. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize drug delivery paradigms and meet unaddressed health gaps across various therapeutic areas through continuous research and innovation [10].

TYPES OF MUCOSAL SURFACES

Mucosal surfaces are the moist linings that cover different cavities and organs of the body, acting as boundaries between the external environment and internal tissues. Special features that make up these regions define their anatomical and physiological nature, enabling them to perform specific roles like secretion, absorption, protection, etc. [8, 11]. The types of mucosal surfaces are summarized in Fig. (1).

Fig. (1))
Types of mucosal surfaces.

Oral Mucosa

The oral mucosa, lining the mouth’s interior, is a dynamic complex interface between the body’s internal tissues and the outside environment. It consists of stratified squamous epithelium constantly subjected to different mechanical forces and temperature changes and being exposed to many substances during mastication and oral hygiene practices. This mucosal lining is important in speech, taste sensation, and initial digestive processes. The structure of the oral mucosa consists of three layers: the outermost epithelium, underlying connective tissue (lamina propria), and basement membrane, which holds the epithelium to the underlying tissues. The epithelial layer is highly...