PMID: 9554260Apr 29, 1998Paper

Biodegradable polymer microspheres as vaccine adjuvants and delivery systems

Developments in Biological Standardization
R K GuptaG R Siber

Abstract

Though vaccination has been the most cost-effective way of controlling infectious diseases, the logistics of delivering at least two to three doses of conventional vaccines for primary immunization to achieve protection are difficult and compliance is frequently inadequate, particularly in developing countries. In recent years biodegradable polymer microspheres have received much attention for the purposes of controlled release of antigens, (i) to reduce the number of doses needed for primary immunization to as few as a single dose and (ii) to target an antigen to microfold cells on mucosal surfaces after oral administration or to antigen-presenting cells after parenteral inoculations. A variety of vaccine antigens have been encapsulated in microspheres usually composed of poly (lactic/glycolic) acid (PLGA). Based on the size of the microspheres, molecular weight of polymer and ratio of lactic to glycolic acid in the polymer, the antigen may be targeted to various cells of the immune system or it may form a depot at the site of injection, allowing the slow release of the antigen for extended periods. Additionally, another adjuvant may be incorporated inside microspheres together with the antigen, further enhancing or modulating...Continue Reading

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