Drug administration using mucosal delivery platforms holds great promise
because of several advantages, including quick response, bypassing first-pass
metabolism, and increased patient adherence. However, the effective exploitation and
shaping of these avenues depend on deep knowledge of immunology principles at the
mucosa. The oral, nasal, pulmonary, vaginal, rectal, and ocular mucosae are equipped
with intricate defense systems executed by innate as well as adaptive immunity. This
chapter explores the intersection of mucosal delivery platforms and mucosal immunity.
Beginning with an introduction to mucosal delivery and its importance in drug
delivery, we delve into the challenges of mucosal barriers, clearance mechanisms, and
immunogenicity. It is very important to comprehend how mucosal immunity works,
which includes the function of epithelial cells, dendritic cells, T cells, and innate
lymphoid cells in defending the body. Furthermore, we examine common mucosal
delivery platforms such as lipid-based formulations, nanoparticles, hydrogels, and
microneedle patches, highlighting their applications in vaccine delivery, protein
therapeutics, small molecule drugs, and gene therapy. Nanotechnology, targeted
delivery systems, and immunomodulatory strategies are also being discussed.
Regarding safety profiles and commercialization aspects, this chapter attempts to
understand the current market scenario and prospects for mucosal delivery platforms.
This overview aims to promote advances in drug delivery technologies and improve
healthcare outcomes by connecting the gap between mucosal delivery and mucosal
immunity.
Keywords: Enzymatic degradation, Immunogenicity, Innate lymphoid cells, Mucosal drug delivery, Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, Mucociliary clearance, Nasal mucosa, Oral mucosa, Ocular mucosa, Pulmonary mucosa, Rectal mucosa, Vaginal mucosa.
