Authors: Devriendt, Bert¹; De Geest, Bruno G²; Cox, Eric¹

Source: Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, Volume 8, Number 4, April 2011 , pp. 467-483(17)

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

Abstract:

Introduction: Most pathogens colonize and invade the host at mucosal surfaces, such as the lung and the intestine. To combat intestinal pathogens the induction of local adaptive immune responses is required, which is mainly achieved through oral vaccination. However, most vaccines are ineffective when given orally owing to the hostile environment in the gastrointestinal tract. The encapsulation of antigens in biodegradable microparticulate delivery systems enhances their immunogenicity; however, the uptake of these delivery systems by intestinal immune cells is rather poor. Surface decoration of the particulates with targeting ligands could increase the uptake and mediate the selective targeting of the vaccine to intestinal antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells.

Areas covered: In this review, current knowledge on dendritic cell subsets is discussed, along with progress in the development of selective antigen targeting to these cells, in addition to focusing on data obtained in mice and, where possible, the pig, as a non-rodent animal model for humans. Moreover, the potential use and benefits of Fcγγ receptor-mediated targeting of antigen delivery systems are highlighted.

Expert opinion: In conclusion, dendritic cell targeting ligands grafted on antigen carrier systems should preferably bind to a conserved endocytotic receptor, facilitating the design of a multispecies vaccine platform, which could elicit robust protective immune responses against enteric pathogens.

Keywords: antigens; dendritic cells; ligands; particles; vaccines

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1517/17425247.2011.561312

Affiliations: 1: 1Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Immunology, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium 2: 2Ghent University, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000, Ghent, Belgium, Email: br.degeest@ugent.be

Publication date: 2011-04-01

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