Respiratory infections continue to pose a major global health challenge, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Effective vaccines are crucial for prevention of these, and nanotechnology offers a promising approach to enhance vaccine efficacy through nanocarrier systems. This review explores recent advances in nanocarrier-based vaccines for respiratory pathogens, focusing on their ability to promote mucosal immunity against viral infections. It examines various types of nanocarriers, their physicochemical properties, and their role in improving vaccine delivery and immune responses. Additionally, the review examines key findings from both preclinical and clinical studies, highlighting the progress and challenges in developing nanocarrier vaccines for respiratory infections. These insights underscore the potential of nanotechnology to transform vaccine strategies and address unmet needs in respiratory disease prevention.Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.