Mucus-penetrating particles to improve mucosal TB vaccines

United States

Eric Nuermberger and Justin Hanes of Johns Hopkins University in the U.S. propose to encapsulate vaccine components into nanoparticles that can slip through the mucus barriers lining the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts to deliver their payload to cells responsible for immune responses. This technology may result in more effective and better tolerated oral and inhaled tuberculosis vaccines.

Project Stage

Development & Testing

Last update: October 05, 2023

Overview Contributors

Challenge

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the top infectious diseases worldwide, requiring innovative delivery systems to enhance vaccine efficacy. Traditional vaccines face challenges due to the body's mucus barriers, limiting their effectiveness.

Description

The proposed solution involves encapsulating TB vaccine components into nanoparticles that can penetrate mucus barriers, thereby improving the delivery and effectiveness of the vaccine in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.