Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Biodegradable Nanoparticles as Vaccine
Adjuvants and Delivery Systems: Regulation
of Immune Responses by Nanoparticle-Based
Vaccine
Takami Akagi, Masanori Baba, and Mitsuru Akashi
Abstract Polymeric nano- and microparticles have recently been shown to possess
significant potential as drug delivery systems. In particular, the use of biodegrad-
able polymeric nanoparticles with entrapped antigens such as proteins, peptides, or
DNA represents an exciting approach for controlling the release of vaccine antigens
and optimizing the desired immune response via selective targeting of the antigen
to antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The efficient delivery of antigens to APCs,
especially in dendritic cells (DCs), and the activation of APCs are some of the most
important issues in the development of effective vaccines. Using nanoparticle-
based vaccine delivery systems, it is possible to target delivery to DCs, activate
these APCs, and control release of the antigen. Nanoparticles prepared from
biodegradable and biocompatible polymers such as poly(lactide-
co
-glycolide)
(PLGA), poly(amino acid)s, and polysaccharides have been shown to be effective
T. Akagi and M. Akashi (
*
)
Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1
Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Core Research for Evolutional Science and
Technology (CREST), Kawaguchi Center Building, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi 332-0012, Japan
e-mail:
akashi@chem.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp
M. Baba
Division of Antiviral Chemotherapy, Center for Chronic Viral Diseases, Graduate School of Medical
and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Core Research for Evolutional Science and
Technology (CREST), Kawaguchi Center Building, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi 332-0012, Japan
