Applications of influenza virosomes as a delivery system

Abstract

The induction of effective cellular and humoral immune responses against antigens is the major goal in vaccination strategies against infectious diseases and cancer. In this review, we will discuss influenza virosomes as a versatile delivery system for molecules of a different nature, such as proteins, peptides and nucleic acids. These molecules can be administered in different ways, such as nasal, muscular or dermal routes, also facilitating the uptake of the antigen by antigen-presenting cells (APC) and inducing a specific humoral and cell-mediated immune response, particularly a CTL response. Influenza virosomes, due to their applicability in different medical fields, are a promising tool in vaccinology and immunotherapy applications. ©2006 Landes Bioscience.