Mucosal Vaccines
About mucosal vaccines
The mucosal surfaces of the respiratory, and digestive tracts and reproductive organs represent an enormous surface area (> 400 m2 in an adult) that are quite vulnerable to infections by pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The mucosal membranes, however, have the potential to secrete antibodies (IgA) to block or inactivate pathogens. In fact, more IgA is produced in mucosal linings than all other types of antibody combined in the blood; more than five grams are secreted at mucosal surfaces each day. This amounts to more than 75% of the total amount of antibodies produced in the entire body. Moreover, there is accumulating evidence that suggests secreted IgA is less sensitive to variations in pathogens. Therefore, mucosal immune responses can function as an important first line of defense. Protective mucosal immune responses are most substantially induced by mucosal immunization such as through the oral or nasal routes. Despite this evidence, the vast majority of vaccines in use today are administered by injection which does not result in an efficient production of antigen-specific IgA.
Mucosis strives to develop mucosal vaccines based on our Mimopath® technology. The goal of these vaccines is to prevent both the entrance of the pathogens into the body (colonization and initial infection by pathogens), the inactivation of pathogens if they still succeed to cross the mucosal lining (systemic infection) and the dissemination of the pathogens (spread into the environment after infection).
Advantages of mucosal vaccines:
- Needle free;
- Effective first line of defense;