Systemic and mucosal immune response induced by transcutaneous immunization using Hepatitis B surface antigen-loaded...

Area of Science:

• * Pharmaceutical Sciences
• * Immunology
• * Vaccine Development

Background:

• * Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) offers a needle-free vaccination route.
• * Conventional vaccine delivery methods can be invasive and less convenient.
• * Novel drug delivery systems are needed to enhance TCI efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To evaluate modified liposomes (ethosomes) for transcutaneous immunization against Hepatitis B.
• * To assess the skin permeation and cellular uptake of antigen-loaded ethosomes.
• * To compare the immunogenicity of ethosome-based TCI with conventional methods.

Main Methods:

• * Preparation and characterization of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-loaded ethosomes.
• * In vitro studies using murine dendritic cells (DCs) and human cadaver skin.
• * In vivo studies in mice to assess systemic and mucosal immune responses.
• * Analysis of T-cell responses using BrdU assay and multiplex cytometric bead array.

Main Results:

• * Ethosomes demonstrated efficient uptake by dendritic cells in vitro.
• * Significantly higher skin permeation of HBsAg was observed with ethosomes compared to conventional liposomes and soluble antigen.
• * Topical application of HBsAg-loaded ethosomes induced robust systemic and mucosal humoral immune responses in mice.
• * A predominantly TH1-type immune response was observed.

Conclusions:

• * HBsAg-loaded ethosomes are effective for transcutaneous immunization against Hepatitis B.
• * Ethosomes can efficiently traverse the skin and target the skin's immunological environment.
• * This technology holds potential for developing a transcutaneous vaccine against Hepatitis B virus (HBV).