Vesicular carrier constructs for topical immunisation

Abstract

Topical immunisation represents a convenient and novel approach to vaccination. Skin is exploited as a route of immunisation because it shows both specific and non-specific immune responses against foreign invaders, and these responses are a result of the presence of immunocompetent cells within the skin layers. These skin-resident antigen-presenting cells are highly efficient for the initiation of humoural and cellular immune responses. Vesicular carrier systems, particularly liposomes, vesosomes, niosomes and transferosomes, have been advocated for the topical delivery of biomacromolecules. This review describes the potential and feasibility of vesicular carrier-based vaccine delivery for topical immunisation.

Keywords::

• liposomes
• niosomes
• topical immunisation
• transfersomes
• vesosomes