Design of a lipid nano-delivery system containing recombinant Candida albicans chitinase 3 as a potential vaccine against fungal infections

State-of-the-art drug delivery system to target the lymphatics

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of the review is to assess the potential of lymphatic-targeted drug delivery systems, with a particular emphasis on their role in tumour therapy and vaccination efficacy.

REASON FOR LYMPHATIC TARGETING

The lymphatic system's crucial functions in maintaining bodily equilibrium, regulating metabolism, and orchestrating immune responses make it an ideal target for drug delivery. Lymph nodes, being primary sites for tumour metastasis, underscore the importance of targeting the lymphatic system for effective treatment.

OUTCOME

Nanotechnologies and innovative biomaterials have facilitated the development of lymphatic-targeted drug carriers, leveraging endogenous macromolecules to enhance drug delivery efficiency. Various systems such as liposomes, micelles, inorganic nanomaterials, hydrogels, and nano-capsules demonstrate significant potential for delivering drugs to the lymphatic system.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the physiological functions of the lymphatic system and its involvement in diseases underscores the promise of targeted drug delivery in improving treatment outcomes. The strategic targeting of the lymphatic system presents opportunities to enhance patient prognosis and advance therapeutic interventions across various medical contexts, indicating the importance of ongoing research and development in this area.

Candida albicans chitinase 3 with potential as a vaccine antigen: production, purification, and characterisation

Chitinases are widely studied enzymes that have already found widespread application. Their continued development and valorisation will be driven by the identification of new and improved variants and/or novel applications bringing benefits to industry and society. We previously identified a novel application for chitinases wherein the Candida albicans cell wall surface chitinase 3 (Cht3) was shown to have potential in vaccine applications as a subunit antigen against fungal infections. In the present study, this enzyme was investigated further, developing production and purification protocols, enriching our understanding of its properties, and advancing its application potential. Cht3 was heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris and a 4-step purification protocol developed and optimised: this involves activated carbon treatment, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, ammonium sulphate precipitation, and gel filtration chromatography. The recombinant enzyme was shown to be mainly O-glycosylated and to retain the epitopes of the native protein. Functional studies showed it to be highly specific, displaying activity on chitin, chitosan, and chito-oligosaccharides larger than chitotriose only. Furthermore, it was shown to be a stable enzyme, exhibiting activity, and stability over broad pH and temperature ranges. This study represents an important step forward in our understanding of Cht3 and contributes to its development for application.