Recent Advances in Inhaled Nanoformulations of Vaccines and Therapeutics Targeting Respiratory Viral Infections

Abstract

With the rapid outbreak of respiratory viral infections, various biological (e.g. vaccines, peptides, recombinant proteins, antibodies and genes) and antiviral agents (e.g. ribavirin, palivizumab and valaciclovir) have been successfully developed for the treatment of respiratory virus infections such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections. These therapeutics are conventionally delivered via oral, intramuscular or injection route and are associated with several adverse events due to systemic toxicity. The inherent in vivo instability of biological therapeutics may hinder them from being administered without proper formulations. Therefore, we have witnessed a boom in nanotechnology coupled with a needle-free administration approach such as the inhalation route for the delivery of complex therapeutics to treat respiratory infections. This review discussed the recent advances in the inhalation strategies of nanoformulations that target virus respiratory infections.

Opportunities and Challenges for Inhalable Nanomedicine Formulations in Respiratory Diseases: A Review

“…However, the instability and toxicity of traditional vaccines in the human body hinder their utilization. 135 Currently, subunit vaccines are considered the most promising therapeutic options because of their ability to effectively minimize side effects. 134 However, the challenges of rapid degradation, difficulty in certain targeting, and absence of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for the cross-presentation of antigens that exist in traditional subunit vaccines are major constraints hindering their further promotion and development.…”

Novel polymer-based hydrogels of recent research in drug delivery for disease treatment related to SARS-CoV-2 virus

“…Inhalable hydrogels are meticulously formulated to be administered as aerosols or dry powders, facilitating their inhalation into the respiratory tract [114]. This route of administration enables the targeted delivery of therapeutics directly to the lungs, which represent the primary site of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the source of respiratory symptoms [166]. By directly conveying therapeutics to the respiratory system, inhalable hydrogels facilitate localized drug delivery, thereby maximizing drug concentration precisely at the site of infection [167].…”

“…Hydrogels can be intentionally endowed with mucoadhesive properties, which enable them to adhere to the mucosal surfaces lining the respiratory tract [45]. This adhesion fosters prolonged contact between the hydrogel and the target tissues, thus facilitating enhanced drug absorption and bioavailability [166]. Inhalable hydrogels can also be purposefully designed to possess controlled release properties, permitting the sustained and regulated delivery of therapeutics over an extended period [167].…”

Nanobodies as Spray and Aerosol Particles: A Breakthrough in Treating Respiratory Viral Infections

“…Encapsulation is a technique used to protect and deliver drugs or therapeutic agents, in a controlled manner [59]. In the context of nanobody formulations for spray and aerosol particles, encapsulation plays a crucial role in optimizing their effectiveness [21].…”

“…First, it allows for targeted delivery of the nanobodies to the site of infection, increasing their efficacy while minimizing side effects. Second, it is non-invasive and can be easily administered by patients themselves or healthcare professionals [21].…”