Research on Mucosal Vaccines

Mucosal vaccine.

Written by Signe Svindland

Mucosal Vaccines

Mucosal vaccines are administered directly to the mucosal surfaces. The oral polio vaccine is a classical example of a mucosal vaccine that has contributed to reducing and almost eradicating polio from the world.

The First Line of Defence

The mucosal membranes line the gut, airways, urinary and genital tracts. They cover an area that is about as big as two single-tennis courts and provide the first defence line of the inner body surfaces against invading microorganisms. So if you should happen to eat a burger that has been contaminated with unfriendly bacteria, you had better hope that your mucosal immunity is ready for action.

A Sophisticated System

Your mucosal immunity is a sophisticated system that scans millions of particles every day in order to decide if they are dangerous or not. This system is actually so sophisticated that we are long away from understanding what is happening, and this is a problem when we want to develop vaccines that work on this system.

Development of vaccines

Development of mucosal vaccines is currently a “hot topic”. Substantial resources are spent to build a better understanding of the mucosal defence mechanisms. Research is focused on basic mechanisms and on more practical aspects like delivery systems for vaccines and adjuvants (reinforcing agents added to the vaccines).

A mucosal influenza vaccine

The Influenza Centre in Bergen, led by Prof. Rebecca Cox, is involved in several projects to develop mucosal influenza vaccines. Our candidate vaccines can be administered as a nasal spray. This is practical and can simplify mass-vaccination programmes in the event of a pandemic.

We are investigating the effects of different adjuvants and different doses of influenza vaccine, but the knowledge we generate also contributes towards development of mucosal vaccines against other infections.

If you want to read more about mucosal vaccines and mucosal immunity see the following articles:

Mucosal immunity and vaccines, Holmgren J. & Czerkinsky C.

Mucosal immunity: induction, dissemination, and effector functions, Brandtzaeg P.

PhD-student Signe Svindland busy working at The Influenza Centre. Foto: Kristian Jensen