Vet. Res. 37 (2006) 487-510
DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2006012

Mucosal delivery of vaccines in domestic animals

Volker Gerdts, George K. Mutwiri, Suresh K. Tikoo and Lorne A. Babiuk

Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Rd., Saskatoon, S7N 5E3, Canada

(Received 4 May 2005; accepted 11 October 2005; published online 14 April 2006)

Abstract - Mucosal vaccination is proving to be one of the greatest challenges in modern vaccine development. Although highly beneficial for achieving protective immunity, the induction of mucosal immunity, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract, still remains a difficult task. As a result, only very few mucosal vaccines are commercially available for domestic animals. Here, we critically review various strategies for mucosal delivery of vaccines in domestic animals. This includes live bacterial and viral vectors, particulate delivery-systems such as polymers, alginate, polyphosphazenes, immune stimulating complex and liposomes, and receptor mediated-targeting strategies to the mucosal tissues. The most commonly used routes of immunization, strategies for delivering the antigen to the mucosal surfaces, and future prospects in the development of mucosal vaccines are discussed.

Key words: mucosal / vaccine / livestock / animals / review

Corresponding author: Volker Gerdts volker.gerdts@usask.ca

© INRA, EDP Sciences 2006