Recipients

Infectious diseases are a leading cause of sickness and death around the world. Vaccines delivered through mucosal surfaces (nose, mouth, ears) are currently the best weapon in fighting diseases that enter the body through these same routes. Most mucosal vaccines must be administered in combination with substances called adjuvants to be effective, but there are only a few safe, effective adjuvants available. Dr. Nelson Eng is studying polyphosphazenes (PPZ), which are synthetic, biodegradable polymers that have shown considerable promise as adjuvants for injectable vaccines. Using mice, he is testing whether PPZ delivered through the nose – along with experimental vaccines for influenza and whooping cough – increases immune response to the vaccines. Dr. Eng’s work has the potential to help protect the public against these and other global diseases.

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