In vitro evaluation of liposomes tailored for non-invasive delivery of the model antigen ovalbumin to skin, nose, and lungs

Abstract

Vaccination stands out as the most potent and successful preventive measure ever devised to safeguard individuals worldwide from life-threatening diseases. It contributes not only to individual protection but also to community immunity and has a crucial role in preventing and controlling the outbreaks of various diseases, contributing significantly to public health efforts . Vaccination works by leveraging the body's natural immune response to safeguard against infectious diseases. The ultimate goal is to establish immunity without causing the disease itself. The process typically involves administering a vaccine, which contains weakened or inactivated forms of pathogens or specific components (antigens) that trigger an immune response. The immune system recognizes these antigens as foreign invaders and initiates a defence mechanism to neutralize or eliminate them. Upon vaccination, the immune system's primary components, such as white blood cells and antibodies, are activated. Memory cells are also produced, which "remember" the encountered antigens. If the vaccinated individual later encounters the actual pathogen, the immune system can mount a rapid and effective response, preventing or mitigating the infection. This adaptive immune response includes the production of antibodies that can neutralize the pathogen, as well as the activation of killer T cells that can destroy infected cells.