International Journal of Multidisciplinary Health Sciences and Research

Category: Review Article,      DOI: Recived: 02/07/2024, Accepted: 16/09/2024, Published online: 28/09/2024

Immunomodulatory Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Relevance in Vaccine Research

Pratima Kumari 1, Arhama Ahmad 2, Brij N. Singh3*

Abstract: Nanoparticles (NPs), or ZnO NPs (ZnO NPs), are thought to be very promising in augmenting vaccine efficacy because of their special immunomodulating characteristics. This review looks at the many interactions that ZnO NPs have with the immune system and explores their possible applications to vaccine development. One group of neoadjuvant ZnO NPs reported to boost innate immune cells, upregulate proinflammatory cytokine genes, and opsonize antigens. A study of the mechanism showed that nanoscale ZnO particles may trigger the release of cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-12, playing a key role in shaping innate and adaptive immunity. The size, shape and surface characteristics of ZnO NPs profoundly affect the immunomodulatory effects, offering opportunities to tailor nanoparticle formulations for specific vaccine applications. Moreover, NPs of ZnO type may be used as efficient antigen carriers, as per ratio of their large surface area-to-volume that allows for efficient antigen loading and protection. ZnO NP-based vaccines have potential, but there are also difficulties to overcome in dealing with safety and regulatory clearance. Some of the future directions for research thus include optimizing formulations and dosages; investigating synergistic immune responses that are brought about by combining vaccine antigens as well as empowering clinical translation. This review underscores the importance of ZnO NPs in the development of novel vaccines and points to a need for further research to tap their full potential.