Nanoparticles as a Delivery System of Antigens for the Development of an Effective Vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract

Nanoparticles include particles ranging in size from nanometers to micrometers, whose physicochemical characteristics are optimized to make them appropriate delivery vehicles for drugs or immunogens important in the fight and/or prevention of infectious diseases. There has been a rise in the use of nanoparticles in preventive vaccine formulations as immunostimulatory adjuvants, and as vehicles for immunogen delivery to target immune cells. Toxoplasma is important worldwide, and may cause human toxoplasmosis. In immunocompetent hosts, infection is usually asymptomatic, but in immunocompromised patients it can cause serious neurological and ocular consequences, such as encephalitis and retinochoroiditis. Primary infection during pregnancy may cause abortion or congenital toxoplasmosis. Currently, there is no effective human vaccine against this disease. Evidence has emerged from several experimental studies testing nanovaccines showing them to be promising tools in the prevention of experimental toxoplasmosis. For the present study, a literature review was carried out on articles published over the last 10 years through the PubMed database, pertaining to in vivo experimental models of T. gondii infection where nanovaccines were tested and protection and immune responses evaluated. This review aims to highlight the way forward in the search for an effective vaccine for toxoplasmosis.

A potential cure for tumor‐associated immunosuppression by Toxoplasma gondii

“… 150 , 151 Nanotechnology can enhance antigen presentation by improving T. gondii antigen or protein uptake by antigen‐presenting cells, such as DCs. 152 A variety of applications and advantages can be found in nanoscale technologies. 153 , 154 Nanoparticles possess unique properties that enable them to serve as carriers for T. gondii antigens.…”