A nanoparticle-based delivery system and methods for its use are disclosed. In one aspect, a nanoparticle-based delivery system comprising at least one molecule such as proteins, DNA/RNA or fragments thereof, carbohydrates, enzymes, chemicals, virus cells, bacteria, parts of a virus, parts of a bacteria, parts of a cell, part of a tissue, or a combination of one or more of these, which shall be referred to as immunogens, are chemically or physically combined with water soluble nanoparticles which, when administered to a living system, is capable of eliciting a desired immunological response. More particularly, the invention relates to nanoparticle-based delivery systems that are specifically engineered to enhance humoral or cellular immune response without the use of adjuvants.