Published online Sep 25, 2022. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v11.i5.221
Peer-review started: March 13, 2022
First decision: April 8, 2022
Revised: May 14, 2022
Accepted: August 10, 2022
Article in press: August 10, 2022
Published online: September 25, 2022
Processing time: 195 Days and 10.2 Hours
Based on mucosal immunization to promote both mucosal and systemic immune responses, next-generation coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines would be administered intranasally or orally. The goal of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines is to provide adequate immune protection and avoid severe disease and death. Mucosal vaccine candidates for COVID-19 including vector vaccines, recombinant subunit vaccines and live attenuated vaccines are under development. Furthermore, subunit protein vac-cines and virus-vectored vaccines have made substantial progress in preclinical and clinical settings, resulting in SARS-CoV-2 intranasal vaccines based on the previously successfully used nasal vaccines. Additional to their ability to trigger stable, protective immune responses at the sites of pathogenic infection, the development of ‘specific’ mucosal vaccines targeting coronavirus antigens could be an excellent option for preventing future pandemics. However, their efficacy and safety should be confirmed.
Core Tip: Oral or nasal vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) would stimulate both the humoral and cellular immune responses and may exert many socioeconomic benefits. Mucosal vaccines are promising for preventing infections and reducing the transmission, morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. Mucosal vaccination may be used prophylactically in human populations at high risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Currently, only a limited number of oral vaccines are approved for human use, and some others are included in preclinical and clinical trials to validate their efficacy and safety.