Abstract
Throughout decades, the intrinsic power of the immune system to fight pathogens has inspired researchers to develop techniques that enable the prevention or treatment of infections via boosting the immune response against the target pathogens, which has led to the evolution of vaccines. The recruitment of Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as either vaccine delivery platforms or immunogenic modalities has witnessed a breakthrough recently, which has been crowned with the development of effective LNPs-based vaccines against COVID-19. In the current article, we discuss some principles of such a technology, with a special focus on the technical aspects from a translational perspective. Representative examples of LNPs-based vaccines against cancer, COVID-19, as well as other infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and allergies are highlighted, considering the challenges and promises. Lastly, the key features that can improve the clinical translation of this area of endeavor are inspired.
[Display omitted]
•Vaccines have come to the forefront as a key tool in the containment of pandemics.•LNPs are versatile vaccination tools, either as delivery vectors or adjuvants.•Principles of using LNPs in vaccines and their targeting strategies are discussed.•Model vaccines against cancer, COVID-19, and other contagions are highlighted.•Vaccines are used beyond contagions, such as in auto-immune diseases and allergies.