Abstract:The mucosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary tracts as well as the inner ear and the ocular conjunctiva are contiunously exposed to potentially pathogenic microoganisms and represent major dosease sites and entry points for harmful substances. Research has indicated that mucosal vaccination is capable of inducing protective immune responses both in the mucosal and systemic immune compartments, thereby preventing adhesion, invasion and colonization of disease pathogens.Many mucosal vaccines have been developed and evaluated, only a few of which were approved for human or animal use based on the safety, stability and efficacy of these vaccines. Application of adjuvants or vaccine delivery systems is able to efficiently improve these deficiencies. Here we will review current strategies for improvement mucosal immunization.
