Potential of nanoparticles for allergen-specific immunotherapy – use of silica nanoparticles as vaccination platform

Abstract

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only curative approach for the treatment of allergies. There is an urgent need for improved therapies, which increase both, efficacy and patient compliance. Novel routes of immunization and the use of more advanced vaccine platforms have gained heightened interest in this field. Areas covered: The current status of allergen-specific immunotherapy is summarized and novel routes of immunization and their challenges in the clinics are critically discussed. The use of nanoparticles as novel delivery system for allergy vaccines is comprehensively reviewed. Specifically, the advantages of silica nanoparticles as vaccine carriers and adjuvants are summarized. Expert opinion: Future allergen-specific immunotherapy will combine engineered hypoallergenic vaccines with novel routes of administration, such as the skin. Due to their biodegradability, and the easiness to introduce surface modifications, silica nanoparticles are promising candidates for tailor-made vaccines. By covalently linking allergens and polysaccharides to silica nanoparticles, a versatile vaccination platform can be designed to specifically target antigen-presenting cells, render the formulation hypoallergenic, and introduce immunomodulatory functions. Combining potent skin vaccination methods, such as fractional laser ablation, with nanoparticle-based vaccines addresses all the requirements for safe and efficient therapy of allergic diseases.

Nanomaterials in the Context of Type 2 Immune Responses—Fears and Potentials

“…Therefore, these hydrophilic moieties represent attractive functionalizations for enhanced mucosal delivery via the oral, nasal, or dermal routes of application. Upon adhesion with the mucosal or intradermal tissue, prolonged retention may result in a more effective presentation to immunocompetent cells in the dedicated lymphoid tissues (163, 164). Using NPs as a platform for additionally introducing mucoadhesive ligands can improve sublingual AIT, which have been shown effective in ovalbumin-sensitized mouse models (165–169).…”

Amorphous silicon dioxide nanoparticles modulate immune responses in a model of allergic contact dermatitis

“…Amorphous SiNPs are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as anti-caking agents in foods, drugs, and cosmetics 5 . Due to the perceived safety and the wide array of surface and structural modifications available, SiNPs are currently the subject of several studies examining potential uses for drug delivery 6–8 , bio-sensing 9 , and vaccination 10–13 .…”

Nanotechnology-Based Vaccines for Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: Potentials and Challenges of Conventional and Novel Adjuvants under Research

“…Tahara et al evaluated the effect of PLGA nanoparticles on the degranulation of mast cells following antigen exposure in a mouse model for systemic anaphylaxis and found reduced antigen-induced allergic responses [102]. Over the last years, several nanoparticles-based delivery systems have been tested, revealing the adjuvant potential of in vivo models [103]. Biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles encapsulated with allergen led to the generation of IgG antibodies and Th1 cytokine milieu in a mouse model for allergic asthma, suggesting an efficient Th1 response [104].…”