Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2025

Intra-lymph Node Injection of Biodegradable Polymer Particles
Published on: January 2, 2014
Vaccine delivery systems toward lymph nodes
Yingyue Ding1, Zhaoting Li1, Ana Jaklenec2
1Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States; Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States.
Strategies of improving vaccine targeting ability toward lymph nodes have been attracting considerable interest in recent years, though there are remaining delivery barriers based on the inherent properties of lymphatic systems and limited administration routes of vaccination. Recently, emerging vaccine delivery systems using various materials as carriers are widely developed to achieve efficient lymph node targeting and improve vaccine-triggered adaptive immune response. In this review, to further optimize the vaccine targeting ability for future research, the design principles of lymph node targeting vaccine delivery based on the anatomy of lymph nodes and vaccine administration routes are first summarized. Then different designs of lymph node targeting vaccine delivery systems, including vaccine delivery systems in clinical applications, are carefully surveyed. Also, the challenges and opportunities of current delivery systems for vaccines are concluded in the end.
Strategies of improving vaccine targeting ability toward lymph nodes have been attracting considerable interest in recent years, though there are remaining delivery barriers based on the inherent properties of lymphatic systems and limited administration routes of vaccination. Recently, emerging vaccine delivery systems using various materials as carriers are widely developed to achieve efficient lymph node targeting and improve vaccine-triggered adaptive immune response. In this review, to further optimize the vaccine targeting ability for future research, the design principles of lymph node targeting vaccine delivery based on the anatomy of lymph nodes and vaccine administration routes are first summarized. Then different designs of lymph node targeting vaccine delivery systems, including vaccine delivery systems in clinical applications, are carefully surveyed. Also, the challenges and opportunities of current delivery systems for vaccines are concluded in the end.
Related Concept Videos
Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes
From a histological perspective, lymph nodes can be split into two main areas: the superficial cortex and the deep medulla. The outer cortex is populated by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes, which are densely packed into follicles. When these B-lymphocytes are presented...
Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Vaccinations
Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
Introduction to Lymphatic and Immune System
The immune responses can be categorized into two types: innate and adaptive. Innate immunity comprises nonspecific defenses we are...
Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular...

