Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
Cationic Nanoemulsion-Encapsulated Retinoic Acid as an Adjuvant to Promote OVA-Specific Systemic and Mucosal Responses
Published on: February 23, 2024
Dose sparing and enhanced immunogenicity of inactivated rotavirus vaccine administered by skin vaccination using a
Sungsil Moon1, Yuhuan Wang, Chris Edens
1Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Abstract:
Skin immunization is effective against a number of infectious diseases, including smallpox and tuberculosis, but is difficult to administer. Here, we assessed the use of an easy-to-administer microneedle (MN) patch for skin vaccination using an inactivated rotavirus vaccine (IRV) in mice. Female inbred BALB/c mice in groups of six were immunized once in the skin using MN coated with 5 microg or 0.5 microg of inactivated rotavirus antigen or by intramuscular (IM) injection with 5 microg or 0.5 microg of the same antigen, bled at 0 and 10 days, and exsanguinated at 28 days. Rotavirus-specific IgG titers increased over time in sera of mice immunized with IRV using MN or IM injection. However, titers of IgG and neutralizing activity were generally higher in MN immunized mice than in IM immunized mice; the titers in mice that received 0.5 microg of antigen with MN were comparable or higher than those that received 5 microg of antigen IM, indicating dose sparing. None of the mice receiving negative-control, antigen-free MN had any IgG titers. In addition, MN immunization was at least as effective as IM administration in inducing a memory response of dendritic cells in the spleen. Our findings demonstrate that MN delivery can reduce the IRV dose needed to mount a robust immune response compared to IM injection and holds promise as a strategy for developing a safer and more effective rotavirus vaccine for use among children throughout the world.
Insights
Microneedle (MN) patches offer a promising, easy-to-administer alternative for inactivated rotavirus vaccine (IRV) delivery. This skin immunization method demonstrated superior or comparable immune responses to intramuscular injection, even with lower antigen doses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Skin immunization is effective but challenging to administer.
- Rotavirus infections pose a significant global health burden, especially in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate microneedle (MN) patch delivery of an inactivated rotavirus vaccine (IRV) in mice.
- To compare the immunogenicity and efficacy of MN-based vaccination with traditional intramuscular (IM) injection.
Main Methods:
- Mice were immunized with IRV via MN patch or IM injection using varying antigen doses.
- Serum IgG titers and neutralizing activity were measured.
- Dendritic cell memory responses in the spleen were assessed.
Main Results:
- MN immunization resulted in higher IgG titers and neutralizing activity compared to IM injection.
- Lower antigen doses (0.5 microg) with MN were as effective as higher doses (5 microg) IM, indicating dose-sparing.
- MN delivery induced robust immune responses, comparable to IM administration.
Conclusions:
- Microneedle patches are a viable and potentially more effective method for delivering inactivated rotavirus vaccines.
- MN technology may enable dose-sparing, leading to more efficient vaccine production and administration.
- This approach holds promise for developing safer and more effective rotavirus vaccines for global use, particularly in pediatric populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted