International Journal of Nanomedicine (Aug 2021)
Advances and Perspectives in the Use of Carbon Nanotubes in Vaccine Development
Abstract
Elidamar Nunes de Carvalho Lima,1,2 Ricardo Sobhie Diaz,2 João Francisco Justo,3 José Roberto Castilho Piqueira1 1Telecommunication and Control Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 2Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 3Electronic Systems Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilCorrespondence: Elidamar Nunes de Carvalho LimaTelecommunication and Control Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Luciano Gualberto – Travessa 3 – 158, São Paulo, BrazilTel +55 11 3091-5647; +55 11 96326-5550Email [email protected]: Advances in nanobiotechnology have allowed the utilization of nanotechnology through nanovaccines. Nanovaccines are powerful tools for enhancing the immunogenicity of a specific antigen and exhibit advantages over other adjuvant approaches, with features such as expanded stability, prolonged release, decreased immunotoxicity, and immunogenic selectivity. We introduce recent advances in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to induce either a carrier effect as a nanoplatform or an immunostimulatory effect. Several studies of CNT-based nanovaccines revealed that due to the ability of CNTs to carry immunogenic molecules, they can act as nonclassical vaccines, a quality not possessed by vaccines with traditional formulations. Therefore, adapting and modifying the physicochemical properties of CNTs for use in vaccines may additionally enhance their efficacy in inducing a T cell-based immune response. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to renew and awaken interest in and knowledge of the safe use of CNTs as adjuvants and carriers in vaccines.Keywords: carbon nanotubes-CNTs, functionalization, nanoplatform, nanovaccine, immunomodulation, carrier effect
