Cutting-edge progress in the protective efficacy of nanovaccines against poultry diseases

Pathogens reduce poultry production worldwide by millions of tons and millions of dollars annually. To fence this problem, nanovaccine R&D has entered as an alternative to prevent infectious diseases. Nanovaccines can act as nanocarriers and adjuvants of antigens to stimulate the immune system in chickens and hens. Several nanomaterials have been used in innovative synthesis methods in which antigens (chimeric proteins, membrane proteins, flagellar proteins and inactivated viruses) have been encapsulated, surface exposed and ensembled. Prototypes have been administered by oculo-nasal, oral, and/or intramuscular routes, with some demonstrating up to 100% protective efficacy against pathogenic challenges. This review aims to provide general considerations for nanovaccine development outlining the nanomaterials used in recent studies, analysing prototype immunogenicity and protective outcomes in hens and chickens, and offering challenges and prospects in the development of nanovaccines against poultry diseases.