Targeting the Gut Mucosal Immune System Using Nanomaterials

Abstract

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is one the biggest mucosal surface in the body and one of the primary targets for the delivery of therapeutics, including immunotherapies. GI diseases, including, e.g., inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal infections such as cholera, pose a significant public health burden and are on the rise. Many of these diseases involve inflammatory processes that can be targeted by immune modulatory therapeutics. However, nonspecific targeting of inflammation systemically can lead to significant side effects. This can be avoided by locally targeting therapeutics to the GI tract and its mucosal immune system. In this review, we discuss nanomaterial-based strategies targeting the GI mucosal immune system, including gut-associated lymphoid tissues, tissue resident immune cells, as well as GI lymph nodes, to modulate GI inflammation and disease outcomes, as well as take advantage of some of the primary mechanisms of GI immunity such as oral tolerance.

Understanding Mucosal Physiology and Rationale of Formulation Design for Improved Mucosal Immunity

“…The mucus layer is supported by the submucosa, an extracellular matrix with a high collagen content that connects the mucosa to the muscle layer. 48,49 Typically, the mucosal layer consists of three parts, one of which is the epithelium. The epithelium is the first responder that controls and regulates immunological reactions to viral infections.…”

“…So, mucus layers primary jobs include absorbing and transporting nutrients, maintaining tissue moisture, and guarding the body against viruses and external objects. The mucus layer is supported by the submucosa, an extracellular matrix with a high collagen content that connects the mucosa to the muscle layer. , …”

“…Typically, the mucosal layer consists of three parts, one of which is the epithelium. The epithelium is the first responder that controls and regulates immunological reactions to viral infections. ,, Epithelial cells, which make up the mucosa, create mucus, a viscous fluid that acts as a barrier . Another one is the layer of connective tissue known as lamina propria, which is present beneath the epithelium.…”

Nasal Nanovaccines for SARS-CoV-2 to Address COVID-19

“…It travels along the digestive tract to the intestine, where it is presented by GALT, tissue resident immune cells, as well as gastrointestinal lymph nodes. A review of nanostructure-based strategies targeting GALT is discussed in [ 28 ]. Resistance to oral vaccines comes from the stomach and intestines.…”

Enhancement of intestinal mucosal immunity and immune response to the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine by oral administration of danggui buxue decoction

“…The intestinal tract is not only a place for digestion and absorption of nutrients but also has important immune functions. The intestinal mucosa is a key line of defense for the body to resist pathogen infection, and various defense mechanisms are conducted in the intestine, which play an important role in the establishment and maintenance of homeostasis between the host and the external environment ( 14 ). Chinese herbal medicine is a group of natural substances, which has the advantages of high safety, enhancing humoral and cellular immunity, non-toxic side effects, wide range of medication, etc.…”