Nanoparticle Vaccine Formulations for Dengue Virus

Abstract

Dengue virus (DENV) is one of the most prevalent mosquito-borne pathogens, with almost half of the global population at risk of infection. While most cases are mild, severe illness and even death is not uncommon. There are currently a lack of available antivirals and highly effective prophylactic vaccines available for DENV, leading to a significant gap in protection. While live-attenuated vaccines have been developed and briefly utilized, some have been found to increase the risk for developing antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), a phenomenon that can worsen outcomes in those who are exposed to DENV after receiving the vaccination. Nanoparticle-based vaccine formulations provide numerous advantages over live-attenuated vaccines such as controlled release, dose-sparing, and ability to effectively encapsulate adjuvants and viral antigens, while simultaneously minimizing the risk for development of ADE. Numerous carrier systems have been developed, including polymeric, lipid, inorganic, and protein-based formulations. Each system has been found to induce unique antigen-specific immune activation that includes varying degrees of humoral and cellular immune responses. While there is still much research to be done, nanoparticle-based vaccine formulations offer a promising approach to combat the growing threat of DENV.