Compositions and methods for protecting against airborne pathogens and irritants

Abstract

The present disclosure features methods and compositions for enhancing the ability of the respiratory membranes to filter airborne pathogens and protect a subject from respiratory infections that result from inhalation of such pathogens. In particular, the disclosure provides antimicrobial compositions that prevent and treat respiratory infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising immunoglobulin G (IgG) and one or more nanoparticles together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients, wherein said pharmaceutical composition is formulated for delivery to the nasal membrane of a subject for prophylaxis against viral infections of the respiratory tract. 
     
     
         2 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said pharmaceutical composition is formulated as a gas, liquid, spray, gel, foam, mist lotion, syrup, or powder. 
     
     
         3 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said pharmaceutical composition is formulated as a nasal spray. 
     
     
         4 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the IgG is linked to the surface of the nanoparticle. 
     
     
         5 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the IgG is linked directly to the surface of the nanoparticle. 
     
     
         6 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the IgG is linked indirectly to the surface of the nanoparticle through an intervening linker. 
     
     
         7 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 6 , wherein said intervening linker is an aliphatic chain comprising at least two carbon atoms. 
     
     
         8 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 7 , wherein said intervening linker is an aliphatic chain comprising from 2-10 carbon atoms. 
     
     
         9 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 7 , wherein said aliphatic chain is substituted with one or more functional groups selected from ketone, ether, ester, amide, alcohol, amine, urea, thiourea, sulfide, sulfoxide, sulfone, sulfonamide, and disulfide. 
     
     
         10 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said pharmaceutical composition is formulated to form a deposit on the nasal membrane having a residence time thereon of at least 10 minutes. 
     
     
         11 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises an organic liquid having Hansen Solubility Parameters of:
 a) an energy of dispersion (δ d ) of between about 15 and about 18;   b) an energy from dipolar intermolecular force between molecules (δ p ) of between about 12 and about 18; and   c) an energy from hydrogen bonds (δ h ) of between about 21 and about 25.   
     
     
         12 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of an emollient, an occlusive, a humectant, an emulsifier, and an essential oil. 
     
     
         13 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises an isotonicity adjuster. 
     
     
         14 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said composition is isotonic to nasal epithelia. 
     
     
         15 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said carrier comprises a polyol. 
     
     
         16 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said composition has a kinematic viscosity ranging from 1-1500 centiStokes (mm 2 /s). 
     
     
         17 . A nasal spray comprising immunoglobulin G (IgG) and one or more nanoparticles together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients, wherein said nasal spray is formulated for delivery to the nasal membrane of a subject for prophylaxis against viral infections of the respiratory tract, and said nasal spray is isotonic to nasal epithelia. 
     
     
         18 . The nasal spray according to  claim 17 , wherein said nasal spray readily flows through a spray nozzle and forms a mist of suitable droplet size on shearing for deposition of said composition on said nasal membrane. 
     
     
         19 . A method for the prevention of viral infection in a subject comprising administering the pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1  to the nasal membrane of the subject. 
     
     
         20 . A method for the prevention of viral infection in a subject comprising administering the pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 17  to the nasal membrane of the subject.