Comparing the immune response to a novel intranasal nanoparticle PLGA vaccine and a commercial BPI3V vaccine in dairy calves

The combination of vaccines and adjuvants to prevent the occurrence of high incidence of infectious diseases in bovine

As the global population grows, the demand for beef and dairy products is also increasing. The cattle industry is facing tremendous pressures and challenges. The expanding cattle industry has led to an increased risk of disease in cattle. These diseases not only cause economic losses but also pose threats to public health and safety. Hence, ensuring the health of cattle is crucial. Vaccination is one of the most economical and effective methods of preventing bovine infectious diseases. However, there are fewer comprehensive reviews of bovine vaccines available. In addition, the variable nature of bovine infectious diseases will result in weakened or even ineffective immune protection from existing vaccines. This shows that it is crucial to improve overall awareness of bovine vaccines. Adjuvants, which are crucial constituents of vaccines, have a significant role in enhancing vaccine response. This review aims to present the latest advances in bovine vaccines mainly including types of bovine vaccines, current status of development of commonly used vaccines, and vaccine adjuvants. In addition, this review highlights the main challenges and outstanding problems of bovine vaccines and adjuvants in the field of research and applications. This review provides a theoretical and practical basis for the eradication of global bovine infectious diseases.

Meeting Contemporary Challenges: Development of Nanomaterials for Veterinary Medicine

In recent decades, nanotechnology has been rapidly advancing in various fields of human activity, including veterinary medicine. The review presents up-to-date information on recent advancements in nanotechnology in the field and an overview of the types of nanoparticles used in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, their characteristics, and their areas of application. Currently, a wide range of nanomaterials has been implemented into veterinary practice, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostic devices, feed additives, and vaccines. The application of nanoformulations gave rise to innovative strategies in the treatment of animal diseases. For example, antibiotics delivered on nanoplatforms demonstrated higher efficacy and lower toxicity and dosage requirements when compared to conventional pharmaceuticals, providing a possibility to solve antibiotic resistance issues. Nanoparticle-based drugs showed promising results in the treatment of animal parasitoses and neoplastic diseases. However, the latter area is currently more developed in human medicine. Owing to the size compatibility, nanomaterials have been applied as gene delivery vectors in veterinary gene therapy. Veterinary medicine is at the forefront of the development of innovative nanovaccines inducing both humoral and cellular immune responses. The paper provides a brief overview of current topics in nanomaterial safety, potential risks associated with the use of nanomaterials, and relevant regulatory aspects.

Perspective vaccines for emerging viral diseases in farm animals

The world has watched the emergence of numerous animal viruses that may threaten animal health which were added to the perpetual growing list of animal pathogens. This emergence drew the attention of the experts and animal health groups to the fact that it has become necessary to work on vaccine development. The current review aims to explore the perspective vaccines for emerging viral diseases in farm animals. This aim was fulfilled by focusing on modern technologies as well as next generation vaccines that have been introduced in the field of vaccines, either in clinical developments pending approval, or have already come to light and have been applied to animals with acceptable results such as viral-vectored vaccines, virus-like particles, and messenger RNA-based platforms. Besides, it shed the light on the importance of differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals technology in eradication programs of emerging viral diseases. The new science of nanomaterials was explored to elucidate its role in vaccinology. Finally, the role of Bioinformatics or Vaccinomics and its assist in vaccine designing and developments were discussed. The reviewing of the published manuscripts concluded that the use of conventional vaccines is considered an out-of-date approach in eliminating emerging diseases. However, these types of vaccines are considered the suitable plan especially in countries with few resources and capabilities. Piloted vaccines that rely on genetic-based technologies with continuous analyses of current viruses should be the aim of future vaccinology. Smart genomics of emerging viruses will be the gateway to choosing appropriate vaccines, regardless of the evolutionary rates of viruses.

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of an inactivated Newcastle disease virus vaccine encapsulated in poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles

An immunization experiment was conducted in specific pathogen-free chickens with the inactivated Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine encapsulated in the poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NP) to evaluate its immunogenicity and protective efficacy. The NDV vaccine was prepared by inactivating one virulent Indian strain of NDV belonging to Genotype VII by using beta-propiolactone. PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating inactivated NDV were prepared by the solvent evaporation method. Scanning electron microscopy and zeta sizer analysis revealed that the (PLGA+NDV) NP were spherical, with an average size of 300 nm, having a zeta potential of -6 mV. The encapsulation efficiency and loading efficiency were 72% and 2.4%, respectively. On immunization trial in chicken, the (PLGA+NDV) NP induced significantly (P < 0.0001) higher levels of HI and IgY antibodies with the peak HI titer of 2⁸ and higher expression of IL-4 mRNA. The consistency of higher antibody levels suggests slow and pulsatile release of the antigens from the (PLGA+NDV) NP. The nano-NDV vaccine also induced cell mediated immunity with higher expression of IFN-γ indicating strong Th1 mediated immune responses in contrast to the commercial oil adjuvanted inactivated NDV vaccine. Further, the (PLGA+NDV) NP afforded 100% protection against the virulent NDV challenge. Our results suggested that PLGA NP have adjuvant potential on induction of humoral as well as Th1 biased cell mediated immune responses and also enhanced protective efficacy of the inactivated NDV vaccine. This study provides an insight for development of PLGA NP based inactivated NDV vaccine using the same genotype circulating in the field as well as for other avian diseases at exigencies.

SARS-CoV-2 and its new variants: a comprehensive review on nanotechnological application insights into potential approaches

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) spreads and develops quickly worldwide as a new global crisis which has left deep socio-economic damage and massive human mortality. This virus accounts for the ongoing outbreak and forces an urgent need to improve antiviral therapeutics and targeted diagnosing tools. Researchers have been working to find a new drug to combat the virus since the outbreak started in late 2019, but there are currently no successful drugs to control the SARS-CoV-2, which makes the situation riskier. Very recently, new variant of SARS-CoV-2 is identified in many countries which make the situation very critical. No successful treatment has yet been shown although enormous international commitment to combat this pandemic and the start of different clinical trials. Nanomedicine has outstanding potential to solve several specific health issues, like viruses, which are regarded a significant medical issue. In this review, we presented an up-to-date drug design strategy against SARS-CoV-2, including the development of novel drugs and repurposed product potentials were useful, and successful drugs discovery is a constant requirement. The use of nanomaterials in treatment against SARS-CoV-2 and their use as carriers for the transport of the most frequently used antiviral therapeutics are discussed systematically here. We also addressed the possibilities of practical applications of nanoparticles to give the status of COVID-19 antiviral systems.

Polymeric Nanoparticles for Inhaled Vaccines

Many recent studies focus on the pulmonary delivery of vaccines as it is needle-free, safe, and effective. Inhaled vaccines enhance systemic and mucosal immunization but still faces many limitations that can be resolved using polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs). This review focuses on the use of properties of PNPs, specifically chitosan and PLGA to be used in the delivery of vaccines by inhalation. It also aims to highlight that PNPs have adjuvant properties by themselves that induce cellular and humeral immunogenicity. Further, different factors influence the behavior of PNP in vivo such as size, morphology, and charge are discussed. Finally, some of the primary challenges facing PNPs are reviewed including formulation instability, reproducibility, device-related factors, patient-related factors, and industrial-level scale-up. Herein, the most important variables of PNPs that shall be defined in any PNPs to be used for pulmonary delivery are defined. Further, this study focuses on the most popular polymers used for this purpose.

Polylactide Perspectives in Biomedicine: From Novel Synthesis to the Application Performance

The incessant developments in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields, particularly, customised solutions for specific diseases with targeted therapeutic treatments, require the design of multicomponent materials with multifunctional capabilities. Biodegradable polymers offer a variety of tailored physicochemical properties minimising health adverse side effects at a low price and weight, which are ideal to design matrices for hybrid materials. PLAs emerge as an ideal candidate to develop novel materials as are endowed withcombined ambivalent performance parameters. The state-of-the-art of use of PLA-based materials aimed at pharmaceutical and biomedical applications is reviewed, with an emphasis on the correlation between the synthesis and the processing conditions that define the nanostructure generated, with the final performance studies typically conducted with either therapeutic agents by in vitro and/or in vivo experiments or biomedical devices.

Factors Limiting the Translatability of Rodent Model-Based Intranasal Vaccine Research to Humans

The intranasal route of vaccination presents an attractive alternative to parenteral routes and offers numerous advantages, such as the induction of both mucosal and systemic immunity, needle-free delivery, and increased patient compliance. Despite demonstrating promising results in preclinical studies, however, few intranasal vaccine candidates progress beyond early clinical trials. This discrepancy likely stems in part from the limited predictive value of rodent models, which are used frequently in intranasal vaccine research. In this review, we explored the factors that limit the translatability of rodent-based intranasal vaccine research to humans, focusing on the differences in anatomy, immunology, and disease pathology between rodents and humans. We also discussed approaches that minimize these differences and examined alternative animal models that would produce more clinically relevant research.

COVID-19: A systematic review and update on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

Since the rapid onset of the COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the world in 2019, extensive studies have been conducted to unveil the behavior and emission pattern of the virus in order to determine the best ways to diagnosis of virus and thereof formulate effective drugs or vaccines to combat the disease. The emergence of novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques considering the multiplicity of reports from one side and contradictions in assessments from the other side necessitates instantaneous updates on the progress of clinical investigations. There is also growing public anxiety from time to time mutation of COVID-19, as reflected in considerable mortality and transmission, respectively, from delta and Omicron variants. We comprehensively review and summarize different aspects of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19. First, biological characteristics of COVID-19 were explained from diagnosis standpoint. Thereafter, the preclinical animal models of COVID-19 were discussed to frame the symptoms and clinical effects of COVID-19 from patient to patient with treatment strategies and in-silico/computational biology. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of nanoscience/nanotechnology in identification, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 were discussed. This review covers almost all SARS-CoV-2-related topics extensively to deepen the understanding of the latest achievements (last updated on January 11, 2022).

Nanotechnology-based bio-tools and techniques for COVID-19 management

COVID-19, a most serious issue and the threat for the human life, has affected millions of people worldwide. It was observed as unknown cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China and claimed unknown till January 10, 2020 and led to the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) therefore worldwide pandemic. The Director-General-WHO declared the outbreak of COVID-19 and constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on January 30, 2020 with the recommendations of the Emergency Committee. This outbreak originated from Wuhan, China in 2019 named as COVID-19 approached 115 countries, with 119,239 cases of infection spread and 4287 deaths by March 11, 2020.

A Review of UK-Registered and Candidate Vaccines for Bovine Respiratory Disease

Vaccination is widely regarded as a cornerstone in animal or herd health and infectious disease management. Nineteen vaccines against the major pathogens implicated in bovine respiratory disease are registered for use in the UK by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). However, despite annual prophylactic vaccination, bovine respiratory disease is still conservatively estimated to cost the UK economy approximately £80 million per annum. This review examines the vaccine types available, discusses the surrounding literature and scientific rationale of the limitations and assesses the potential of novel vaccine technologies.

Contribution of Nanotechnologies to Vaccine Development and Drug Delivery against Respiratory Viruses

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the coronavirus disease 2019, a respiratory viral illness linked to significant morbidity, mortality, production loss, and severe economic depression, was the third-largest cause of death in 2020. Respiratory viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2, and adenovirus, are among the most common causes of respiratory illness in humans, spreading as pandemics or epidemics throughout all continents. Nanotechnologies are particles in the nanometer range made from various compositions. They can be lipid-based, polymer-based, protein-based, or inorganic in nature, but they are all bioinspired and virus-like. In this review, we aimed to present a short review of the different nanoparticles currently studied, in particular those which led to publications in the field of respiratory viruses. We evaluated those which could be beneficial for respiratory disease-based viruses; those which already have contributed, such as lipid nanoparticles in the context of COVID-19; and those which will contribute in the future either as vaccines or antiviral drug delivery systems. We present a short assessment based on a critical selection of evidence indicating nanotechnology's promise in the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections.

Polymeric Materials as Potential Inhibitors Against SARS-CoV-2

Recently discovered SARS-CoV-2 caused a pandemic that triggered researchers worldwide to focus their research on all aspects of this new peril to humanity. However, in the absence of specific therapeutic intervention, some preventive strategies and supportive treatment minimize the viral transmission as studied by some factors such as basic reproduction number, case fatality rate, and incubation period in the epidemiology of viral diseases. This review briefly discusses coronaviruses' life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in a human host cell and preventive strategies at some selected source of infection. The antiviral activities of synthetic and natural polymers such as chitosan, hydrophobically modified chitosan, galactosylated chitosan, amine-based dendrimers, cyclodextrin, carrageenans, polyethyleneimine, nanoparticles are highlighted in this article. Mechanism of virus inhibition, detection and diagnosis are also presented. It also suggests that polymeric materials and nanoparticles can be effective as potential inhibitors and immunization against coronaviruses which would further develop new technologies in the field of polymer and nanoscience.

Review on bovine respiratory syncytial virus and bovine parainfluenza - usual suspects in bovine respiratory disease - a narrative review

Bovine Respiratory Syncytial virus (BRSV) and Bovine Parainfluenza 3 virus (BPIV3) are closely related viruses involved in and both important pathogens within bovine respiratory disease (BRD), a major cause of morbidity with economic losses in cattle populations around the world. The two viruses share characteristics such as morphology and replication strategy with each other and with their counterparts in humans, HRSV and HPIV3. Therefore, BRSV and BPIV3 infections in cattle are considered useful animal models for HRSV and HPIV3 infections in humans.

The interaction between the viruses and the different branches of the host’s immune system is rather complex. Neutralizing antibodies seem to be a correlate of protection against severe disease, and cell-mediated immunity is thought to be essential for virus clearance following acute infection. On the other hand, the host’s immune response considerably contributes to the tissue damage in the upper respiratory tract.

BRSV and BPIV3 also have similar pathobiological and epidemiological features. Therefore, combination vaccines against both viruses are very common and a variety of traditional live attenuated and inactivated BRSV and BPIV3 vaccines are commercially available.

Emerging Advances of Nanotechnology in Drug and Vaccine Delivery against Viral Associated Respiratory Infectious Diseases (VARID)

Viral-associated respiratory infectious diseases are one of the most prominent subsets of respiratory failures, known as viral respiratory infections (VRI). VRIs are proceeded by an infection caused by viruses infecting the respiratory system. For the past 100 years, viral associated respiratory epidemics have been the most common cause of infectious disease worldwide. Due to several drawbacks of the current anti-viral treatments, such as drug resistance generation and non-targeting of viral proteins, the development of novel nanotherapeutic or nano-vaccine strategies can be considered essential. Due to their specific physical and biological properties, nanoparticles hold promising opportunities for both anti-viral treatments and vaccines against viral infections. Besides the specific physiological properties of the respiratory system, there is a significant demand for utilizing nano-designs in the production of vaccines or antiviral agents for airway-localized administration. SARS-CoV-2, as an immediate example of respiratory viruses, is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the coronaviridae family. COVID-19 can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, similarly to other members of the coronaviridae. Hence, reviewing the current and past emerging nanotechnology-based medications on similar respiratory viral diseases can identify pathways towards generating novel SARS-CoV-2 nanotherapeutics and/or nano-vaccines.

Nanoscale pathogens treated with nanomaterial-like peptides: a platform technology appropriate for future pandemics

Viral infections are historically very difficult to treat. Although imperfect and time-consuming to develop, we do have some conventional vaccine and therapeutic approaches to stop viral spreading. Most importantly, all of this takes significant time while viruses continue to wreak havoc on our healthcare system. Furthermore, viral infections are accompanied by a weakened immune system which is often overlooked in antiviral drug strategies and requires additional drug development. In this review, for the first time, we touch on some promising alternative approaches to treat viral infections, specifically those focused on the use of platform nanomaterials with antiviral peptides. In doing so, this review presents a timely discussion of how we need to change our old way of treating viruses into one that can quickly meet the demands of COVID-19, as well as future pandemic-causing viruses, which will come.

Nanotechnology against the novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2): diagnosis, treatment, therapy and future perspectives

COVID-19, as an emerging infectious disease, has caused significant mortality and morbidity along with socioeconomic impact. No effective treatment or vaccine has been approved yet for this pandemic disease. Cutting-edge tools, especially nanotechnology, should be strongly considered to tackle this virus. This review aims to propose several strategies to design and fabricate effective diagnostic and therapeutic agents against COVID-19 by the aid of nanotechnology. Polymeric, inorganic self-assembling materials and peptide-based nanoparticles are promising tools for battling COVID-19 as well as its rapid diagnosis. This review summarizes all of the exciting advances nanomaterials are making toward COVID-19 prevention, diagnosis and therapy.

Nanotechnology Enabled Solutions to Combat Covid-19: Prevention, Treatment and Diagnosis

Changes in human lifestyles and environmental deterioration globally causes emergence of new viruses posing research challenges. Recent outburst of disease COVID-19 (nCoV19) is a recent example wherein effective management of virus using conventional medication or adopting preventive and effective diagnostic measures is a challenge. While many ongoing strategies from vaccine development to drug repurposing, are currently being investigated, a targeted approach with nanotechnology can be helpful to meet the demand for preventive and diagnostic measures. The significant results of nanotechnology in resolving better efficacy in pharmaceutical drugs is expected to be helpful in combating nCoV19 by using nanotechnology-based solutions preventive, treatment, and diagnosis. As vaccine development involves long clinical trial procedures, preventive measures such as masks, disinfectants, sanitizers, and personal protective equipment's are gaining popularity for effective management. The present write-up addresses the dire need of the nanotechnology-based solutions in present pandemic and studies of the ongoing innovation and existing patents for developing better solutions. Multiple applications of nanotechnology is expected to be helpful in preventive and diagnostic measures, immune response modulation and immunity boosters along with projecting a pathway for industry and academic researchers for addressing such pandemic.

Smart and Sustainable Nanotechnological Solutions in a Battle against COVID-19 and Beyond: A Critical Review

The variety of available biocidal features make nanomaterials promising for fighting infections. To effectively battle COVID-19, categorized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), materials scientists and biotechnologists need to combine their knowledge to develop efficient antiviral nanomaterials. By design, nanostructured materials (spherical, two-dimensional, hybrid) can express a diverse bioactivity and unique combination of specific, nonspecific, and mixed mechanisms of antiviral action. It can be related to the material's specific features and their multiple functionalization strategies. This is a complex guiding approach in which an interaction target is constantly moving and quickly changing. On the other hand, in such a rush, sustainability may be put aside. Therefore, to elucidate the most promising nanotechnological solutions, we critically review available data within the frame of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other types of viruses. We highlight solutions that are, or could be, more sustainable and less toxic. In this regard, reduction of the number of synthetic routes, organic solvents, byproducts, and residues is highly recommended. Such efficient, green solutions may be further used for the prevention of virion-host interactions, treatment of the already developed infection, reducing inflammation, and finally, protecting healthcare professionals with masks, fabrics, equipment, and in other associated areas. Further translation into the market needs putting on the fast track with respect to principles of green chemistry, feasibility, safety, and the environment.

Nanomedicine for COVID-19: the role of nanotechnology in the treatment and diagnosis of COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the recent outbreak of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Although nearly two decades have passed since the emergence of pandemics such as SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), no effective drug against the CoV family has yet been approved, so there is a need to find newer therapeutic targets. Currently, simultaneous research across the globe is being performed to discover efficient vaccines or drugs, including both conventional therapies used to treat previous similar diseases and emerging therapies like nanomedicine. Nanomedicine has already proven its value through its application drug delivery and nanosensors in other diseases. Nanomedicine and its components can play an important role in various stages of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, and research related to COVID-19. Nano-based antimicrobial technology can be integrated into personal equipment for the greater safety of healthcare workers and people. Various nanomaterials such as quantum dots can be used as biosensors to diagnose COVID-19. Nanotechnology offers benefits from the use of nanosystems, such as liposomes, polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, and micelles, for drug encapsulation, and facilitates the improvement of pharmacological drug properties. Antiviral functions for nanoparticles can target the binding, entry, replication, and budding of COVID-19. The toxicity-related inorganic nanoparticles are one of the limiting factors of its use that should be further investigated and modified. In this review, we are going to discuss nanomedicine options for COVID-19 management, similar applications for related viral diseases, and their gap of knowledge.

Nanoparticles as a novel and promising antiviral platform in veterinary medicine

Traditional veterinary virus vaccines, such as inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines, have achieved tremendous success in controlling many viral diseases of livestock and chickens worldwide. However, many recent viral outbreaks caused by different emerging and re-emerging viruses continue to be reported annually worldwide. It is therefore necessary to develop new control regimens. Nanoparticle research has received considerable attention in the last two decades as a promising platform with significant success in veterinary medicine, replacing traditional viral vector vaccines. However, the field of nanoparticle applications is still in its initial phase of growth. Here, we discuss various preparation methods, characteristics, physical properties, antiviral effects, and pharmacokinetics of well-developed nanoparticles and the potential of nanoparticles or nano-vaccines as a promising antiviral platform for veterinary medicine.

Applications of Nanovaccines for Disease Prevention in Cattle

Vaccines are one of the most important tools available to prevent and reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in cattle. Despite their availability and widespread use to combat many important pathogens impacting cattle, several of these products demonstrate variable efficacy and safety in the field, require multiple doses, or are unstable under field conditions. Recently, nanoparticle-based vaccine platforms (nanovaccines) have emerged as promising alternatives to more traditional vaccine platforms. In particular, polymer-based nanovaccines provide sustained release of antigen payloads, stabilize such payloads, and induce enhanced antibod- and cell-mediated immune responses, both systemically and locally. To improve vaccine administrative strategies and efficacy, they can be formulated to contain multiple antigenic payloads and have the ability to protect fragile proteins from degradation. Nanovaccines are also stable at room temperature, minimizing the need for cold chain storage. Nanoparticle platforms can be synthesized for targeted delivery through intranasal, aerosol, or oral administration to induce desired mucosal immunity. In recent years, several nanovaccine platforms have emerged, based on biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, liposomes, and virus-like particles. While most nanovaccine candidates have not yet advanced beyond testing in rodent models, a growing number have shown promise for use against cattle infectious diseases. This review will highlight recent advancements in polymeric nanovaccine development and the mechanisms by which nanovaccines may interact with the bovine immune system. We will also discuss the positive implications of nanovaccines use for combating several important viral and bacterial disease syndromes and consider important future directions for nanovaccine development in beef and dairy cattle.

Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology-Associated Innovations against Viral Infections with a Focus on Coronaviruses

Viral infections have recently emerged not only as a health threat to people but rapidly became the cause of universal fatality on a large scale. Nanomaterials comprising functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) and quantum dots and nanotechnology-associated innovative detection methods, vaccine design, and nanodrug production have shown immense promise for interfacing with pathogenic viruses and restricting their entrance into cells. These viruses have been scrutinized using rapid diagnostic detection and therapeutic interventional options against the caused infections including vaccine development for prevention and control. Coronaviruses, namely SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, have endangered human life, and the COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has become a perilous challenge to public health globally with huge accompanying morbidity rates. Thus, it is imperative to expedite the drug and vaccine development efforts that would help mitigate this pandemic. In this regard, smart and innovative nano-based technologies and approaches encompassing applications of green nanomedicine, bio-inspired methods, multifunctional bioengineered nanomaterials, and biomimetic drug delivery systems/carriers can help resolve the critical issues regarding detection, prevention, and treatment of viral infections. This perspective review expounds recent nanoscience advancements for the detection and treatment of viral infections with focus on coronaviruses and encompasses nano-based formulations and delivery platforms, nanovaccines, and promising methods for clinical diagnosis, especially regarding SARS-CoV-2.

On Facing the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) with Combination of Nanomaterials and Medicine: Possible Strategies and First Challenges

Global health is facing the most dangerous situation regarding the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome called coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is widely known as the abbreviated COVID-19 pandemic. This is due to the highly infectious nature of the disease and its possibility to cause pneumonia induced death in approximately 6.89% of infected individuals (data until 27 April 2020). The pathogen causing COVID-19 is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is believed to be originated from the Wuhan Province in China. Unfortunately, an effective and approved vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 virus is still not available, making the situation more dangerous and currently available medical care futile. This unmet medical need thus requires significant and very urgent research attention to develop an effective vaccine to address the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this review, the state-of-the-art drug design strategies against the virus are critically summarized including exploitations of novel drugs and potentials of repurposed drugs. The applications of nanochemistry and general nanotechnology was also discussed to give the status of nanodiagnostic systems for COVID-19.

A CRISPR/Cas9 based polymeric nanoparticles to treat/inhibit microbial infections

The latest breakthrough towards the adequate and decisive methods of gene editing tools provided by CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat/CRISPR Associated System), has been repurposed into a tool for genetically engineering eukaryotic cells and now considered as the major innovation in gene-related disorders. Nanotechnology has provided an alternate way to overcome the conventional problems where methods to deliver therapeutic agents have failed. The use of nanotechnology has the potential to safe-side the CRISPR/Cas9 components delivery by using customized polymeric nanoparticles for safety and efficacy. The pairing of two (CRISPR/Cas9 and nanotechnology) has the potential for opening new avenues in therapeutic use. In this review, we will discuss the most recent advances in developing nanoparticle-based CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing cargo delivery with a focus on several polymeric nanoparticles including fabrication proposals to combat microbial infections.

Nanoparticle-Based Vaccines Against Respiratory Viruses

The respiratory mucosa is the primary portal of entry for numerous viruses such as the respiratory syncytial virus, the influenza virus and the parainfluenza virus. These pathogens initially infect the upper respiratory tract and then reach the lower respiratory tract, leading to diseases. Vaccination is an affordable way to control the pathogenicity of viruses and constitutes the strategy of choice to fight against infections, including those leading to pulmonary diseases. Conventional vaccines based on live-attenuated pathogens present a risk of reversion to pathogenic virulence while inactivated pathogen vaccines often lead to a weak immune response. Subunit vaccines were developed to overcome these issues. However, these vaccines may suffer from a limited immunogenicity and, in most cases, the protection induced is only partial. A new generation of vaccines based on nanoparticles has shown great potential to address most of the limitations of conventional and subunit vaccines. This is due to recent advances in chemical and biological engineering, which allow the design of nanoparticles with a precise control over the size, shape, functionality and surface properties, leading to enhanced antigen presentation and strong immunogenicity. This short review provides an overview of the advantages associated with the use of nanoparticles as vaccine delivery platforms to immunize against respiratory viruses and highlights relevant examples demonstrating their potential as safe, effective and affordable vaccines.

Veterinary vaccine nanotechnology: pulmonary and nasal delivery in livestock animals

Veterinary vaccine development has several similarities with human vaccine development to improve the overall health and well-being of species. However, veterinary goals lean more toward feasible large-scale administration methods and low cost to high benefit immunization. Since the respiratory mucosa is easily accessible and most infectious agents begin their infection cycle at the mucosa, immunization through the respiratory route has been a highly attractive vaccine delivery strategy against infectious diseases. Additionally, vaccines administered via the respiratory mucosa could lower costs by removing the need of trained medical personnel, and lowering doses yet achieving similar or increased immune stimulation. The respiratory route often brings challenges in antigen delivery efficiency with enough potency to induce immunity. Nanoparticle (NP) technology has been shown to enhance immune activation by producing higher antibody titers and protection. Although specific mechanisms between NPs and biological membranes are still under investigation, physical parameters such as particle size and shape, as well as biological tissue distribution including mucociliary clearance influence the protection and delivery of antigens to the site of action and uptake by target cells. For respiratory delivery, various biomaterials such as mucoadhesive polymers, lipids, and polysaccharides have shown enhanced antibody production or protection in comparison to antigen alone. This review presents promising NPs administered via the nasal or pulmonary routes for veterinary applications specifically focusing on livestock animals including poultry.

Nanogel-based nasal vaccines for infectious and lifestyle-related diseases

Because the mucosa is the major entry route for most pathogens, the development of mucosal vaccines is a rational approach for protecting against these undesired agents. Mucosal administration of vaccine antigen is useful for non-infectious chronic diseases as well, because of its advantages over injection routes, including comparable efficacy in the induction of systemic immune responses, less pain, and no risk of adverse events at the injection site. However, because it is difficult to effectively induce and regulate antigen-specific mucosal and systemic immune responses when antigen alone is mucosally administered, an appropriate form of mucosal delivery vehicle must be used. Antigen delivery systems involving nanogels, which act as artificial chaperones and mucosal adhesives, are a promising approach to overcoming this problem. Here, we introduce current perspectives regarding the development of nanogel-based nasal vaccines for both infectious and lifestyle-related diseases.

Design and evaluation of the immunogenicity and efficacy of a biomimetic particulate formulation of viral antigens

Subunit viral vaccines are typically not as efficient as live attenuated or inactivated vaccines at inducing protective immune responses. This paper describes an alternative ‘biomimetic’ technology; whereby viral antigens were formulated around a polymeric shell in a rationally arranged fashion with a surface glycoprotein coated on to the surface and non-structural antigen and adjuvant encapsulated. We evaluated this model using BVDV E2 and NS3 proteins formulated in poly-(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles adjuvanted with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C) as an adjuvant (Vaccine-NP). This Vaccine-NP was compared to ovalbumin and poly(I:C) formulated in a similar manner (Control-NP) and a commercial adjuvanted inactivated BVDV vaccine (IAV), all inoculated subcutaneously and boosted prior to BVDV-1 challenge. Significant virus-neutralizing activity, and E2 and NS3 specific antibodies were observed in both Vaccine-NP and IAV groups following the booster immunisation. IFN-γ responses were observed in ex vivo PBMC stimulated with E2 and NS3 proteins in both vaccinated groups. We observed that the protection afforded by the particulate vaccine was comparable to the licenced IAV formulation. In conclusion, the biomimetic particulates showed a promising immunogenicity and efficacy profile that may be improved by virtue of being a customisable mode of delivery.

Nasal nanovaccines

Nasal administration of vaccines is convenient for the potential stimulation of mucosal and systemic immune protection. Moreover the easy accessibility of the intranasal route renders it optimal for pandemic vaccination. Nanoparticles have been identified as ideal delivery systems and adjuvants for vaccine application. Heterogeneous protocols have been used for animal studies. This complicates the understanding of the formulation influence on the immune response and the comparison of the different nanoparticles approaches developed. Moreover anatomical and immunological differences between rodents and humans provide an additional hurdle in the rational development of nasal nanovaccines. This review will give a comprehensive expertise of the state of the art in nasal nanovaccines in animals and humans focusing on the nanomaterial used.

Biodegradable nanoparticle delivery of inactivated swine influenza virus vaccine provides heterologous cell-mediated immune response in pigs

Swine influenza virus (SwIV) is one of the important zoonotic pathogens. Current flu vaccines have failed to provide cross-protection against evolving viruses in the field. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biodegradable FDA approved polymer and widely used in drug and vaccine delivery. In this study, inactivated SwIV H1N2 antigens (KAg) encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles (PLGA-KAg) were prepared, which were spherical in shape with 200 to 300nm diameter, and induced maturation of antigen presenting cells in vitro. Pigs vaccinated twice with PLGA-KAg via intranasal route showed increased antigen specific lymphocyte proliferation and enhanced the frequency of T-helper/memory and cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In PLGA-KAg vaccinated and heterologous SwIV H1N1 challenged pigs, clinical flu symptoms were absent, while the control pigs had fever for four days. Grossly and microscopically, reduced lung pathology and viral antigenic mass in the lung sections with clearance of infectious challenge virus in most of the PLGA-KAg vaccinated pig lung airways were observed. Immunologically, PLGA-KAg vaccine irrespective of not significantly boosting the mucosal antibody response, it augmented the frequency of IFN-γ secreting total T cells, T-helper and CTLs against both H1N2 and H1N1 SwIV. In summary, inactivated influenza virus delivered through PLGA-NPs reduced the clinical disease and induced cross-protective cell-mediated immune response in a pig model. Our data confirmed the utility of a pig model for intranasal particulate flu vaccine delivery platform to control flu in humans.

Synthetic Biodegradable Microparticle and Nanoparticle Vaccines against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Synthetic biodegradable microparticle and nanoparticle platform technology provides the opportunity to design particles varying in composition, size, shape and surface properties for application in vaccine development. The use of particle vaccine formulations allows improvement of antigen stability and immunogenicity while allowing targeted delivery and slow release. This technology has been design to develop novel vaccines against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants. In the last decade, several nano- and micro-sized RSV vaccine candidates have been developed and tested in animal models showing promising results. This review provides an overview of recent advances in prophylactic particle vaccines for RSV and the multiple factors that can affect vaccine efficacy.

Mucosal vaccine delivery: Current state and a pediatric perspective

Most childhood infections occur via the mucosal surfaces, however, parenterally delivered vaccines are unable to induce protective immunity at these surfaces. In contrast, delivery of vaccines via the mucosal routes can allow antigens to interact with the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) to induce both mucosal and systemic immunity. The induced mucosal immunity can neutralize the pathogen on the mucosal surface before it can cause infection. In addition to reinforcing the defense at mucosal surfaces, mucosal vaccination is also expected to be needle-free, which can eliminate pain and the fear of vaccination. Thus, mucosal vaccination is highly appealing, especially for the pediatric population. However, vaccine delivery across mucosal surfaces is challenging because of the different barriers that naturally exist at the various mucosal surfaces to keep the pathogens out. There have been significant developments in delivery systems for mucosal vaccination. In this review we provide an introduction to the MALT, highlight barriers to vaccine delivery at different mucosal surfaces, discuss different approaches that have been investigated for vaccine delivery across mucosal surfaces, and conclude with an assessment of perspectives for mucosal vaccination in the context of the pediatric population.