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Published on: June 25, 2015
Transcutaneous immunization with influenza vaccines
Ioanna Skountzou1, Sang-Moo Kang
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Emory Vaccine Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. iskount@emory.edu
Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|September 22, 2009
Summary
Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) offers a novel way to vaccinate by applying antigens to the skin. This method enhances immune responses using adjuvants and permeation enhancers, but requires further development for optimal efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) utilizes the skin's immune cells for vaccination.
- The skin's barrier can be bypassed using chemical or physical methods.
- Antigen-capturing immune cells are abundant in the skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore transcutaneous immunization (TCI) as a novel vaccination route.
- To investigate methods for overcoming the skin barrier for vaccine delivery.
- To evaluate the role of adjuvants and enhancers in TCI.
Main Methods:
- Topical application of vaccine antigens to the skin.
- Employing mild chemical/physical treatments (e.g., ethanol-water hydration, stripping) to breach the skin barrier.
- Utilizing toxin adjuvants (e.g., cholera toxin) and permeation enhancers (e.g., oleic acid, retinoic acid).
Main Results:
- TCI allows vaccine antigens access to skin-resident immune cells.
- Toxin adjuvants enhance vaccine antigen immunogenicity.
- Permeation enhancers increase immune responses to inactivated influenza vaccines.
Conclusions:
- Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) is a promising vaccination strategy.
- Adjuvants and enhancers significantly boost TCI efficacy.
- Further research into delivery systems and non-toxic adjuvants is crucial for TCI advancement.
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