Nano-chemistry and Bio-conjugation with perspectives on the design of Nano-Immune platforms, vaccines and new combinatorial treatments

This Mini-Review and Opinion letter, it was addressed different themes and topics implicated in the development of new treatments and vaccines applied to pathologies developed in humans such as by Virus and related pathogens. In this context, it was presented and discussed different strategies used, which were contemplated from the design of small molecules, towards higher sized chemical structures and new Nanoarchitectures. In particular, it was discussed varied studies developed for the Corona Virus treatment; which afforded to the main mechanisms of action of pharmacophores and targeted functional Nanoparticles. In this direction, it was highlighted the importance of Bioconjugation of molecules and variable Nanoarchitectures for their incorporation within cells as well as for the development of Nano-vaccines. Moreover, it was discussed about the development of combinatory treatments based on different strategies recently reported. Similarly, it was presented different studies and developments actually in progress related to the design of functional and Multifunctional Nano-platforms with potential perspectives on Lab-On particles and Nano-vaccines for precision Nanomedicine and new treatments.

Immunogenicity and safety of inactivated Influenza Split-Virion vaccine administered via a transdermal micro needle system

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated influenza split virion vaccine administered via a transdermal microneedle system. In this Phase 1, single-center, randomized, controlled study, 90 subjects aged 18 to 40 years received influenza vaccine (strains (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B) either via a transdermal microneedle system (“patch”; 10 µg) for 5 or 15 minutes or by Intramuscular (IM) injection (15g). Influenza antibody titers were measured by the hemagglutinin inhibition method and compared to EMEA guidelines for influenza vaccines (seroconversion rate, mean increase in hemagglutinin inhibition titer, and percentage of seroprotected subjects). Safety was assessed through local and systemic adverse events, and specific application site events in the transdermal groups. At Day 21, the EMEA criteria were met in all treatment groups for all three influenza strains. The immunogenicity response was similar between all three groups and increased antibody levels persisted to Month 6. The transdermal microneedle system was generally well tolerated, although pinpoint red spots, edema, and erythema were noted after patch removal in most subjects. Influenza vaccination administered via a novel transdermal microneedle system was generally well tolerated and provided similar antibody response using a lower dose than IM injection.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE): A curse for people living in Uttar Pradesh, India

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) follows due to viral infection that directly affects brain leading to coma and finally death. JE which finally leads to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) have been creating devastation in eastern Uttar Pradesh for decades. The Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh is the epicenter of encephalitis induced deaths and the disease mostly affect its rural areas. However, Maharajgang, Sant Kabir Nagar, Basti, Kushinagar, Siddharth Nagar, Deoria and Mau are the most affected districts in the state. Independent figures put the toll around 50,000 as many kids die without reaching hospital. Every year, in rainy season the condition is worst for children in Uttar Pradesh. The Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is generally spread by mosquitoes, specifically those of the genus Culex. Pigs and wild birds serve as reservoir for the JEV. Encephalitis can be air or water borne, the result of a mosquito bite or spread by ticks. The initial symptoms are fever, cold or headache. However, it becomes life threatening only when it crosses the blood and brain barrier. There is no full cure of the disease; however, it can only be treated by vaccination to some extent. Prevention includes control of the vector mosquitoes of JEV by fogging with ultra-low levels of insecticides and by raising the immunity in children by vaccination. There are three types of vaccines has been used in large scale. In India, the JE vaccination was launched during 2006. Recently Shri Yogi Adityanath (Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh) government has launched a massive encephalitis vaccination program during 2017-18 which is a positive hopeful step towards saving the lives of several innocent people of our country.