Nanoparticles and their application in vaccine research for important parasitic diseases

doi:10.12140/j.issn.1000-7423.2026.02.021

Abstract

Abstract:

Parasitic diseases remain a major global public health concern. Conventional chemotherapy frequently faces limitations, including significant adverse effects and the inability to prevent reinfection. Although prophylactic vaccination represents an ideal strategy for achieving long-term control of parasitic diseases, the development of traditional vaccines has been severely impeded by the complex life cycles, high antigenic variability, and sophisticated immune evasion mechanisms of parasites. In recent years, nanoparticles-leveraging their unique physicochemical properties to integrate antigen protection, targeted delivery, and synergistic immune activation-have provided a new opportunity to overcome the bottlenecks in parasitic vaccine development. In light of this, this article systematically reviews the physicochemical characteristics of various nanoparticles and their latest advances in vaccine research against major parasitic diseases, such as schistosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, and echinococcosis. It provides an in-depth discussion on their mechanisms of action and core advantages in optimizing antigen delivery and immunomodulation. Furthermore, it objectively analyzes the current challenges and future trends facing nanovaccines in clinical translation and industrial application, aiming to provide theoretical insights for the rational design and development strategies of novel parasitic vaccines.

Key words: Parasitic disease, Nanoparticles, Antigen delivery

CLC Number:

WU Keke, WANG Liqun, LUO Xuenong. Nanoparticles and their application in vaccine research for important parasitic diseases[J]. CHINESE JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY AND PARASITIC DISEASES, 2026, 44(2): 290-295.

References 44

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