Current and future nanoparticle vaccines for COVID-19
Mai N. Vu,
Hannah G. Kelly,
Stephen J. Kent,
Adam K. Wheatley
Affiliations
Mai N. Vu
Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Pharmaceutics, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
Hannah G. Kelly
Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
Stephen J. Kent
Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Corresponding author
Adam K. Wheatley
Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Corresponding author
COVID-19 has become a major cause of global mortality and driven massive health and economic disruptions. Mass global vaccination offers the most efficient pathway towards ending the pandemic. The development and deployment of first-generation COVID-19 vaccines, encompassing mRNA or viral vectors, has proceeded at a phenomenal pace. Going forward, nanoparticle-based vaccines which deliver SARS-CoV-2 antigens will play an increasing role in extending or improving vaccination outcomes against COVID-19. At present, over 26 nanoparticle vaccine candidates have advanced into clinical testing, with ∼60 more in pre-clinical development. Here, we discuss the emerging promise of nanotechnology in vaccine design and manufacturing to combat SARS-CoV-2, and highlight opportunities and challenges presented by these novel vaccine platforms.
