A microarray patch SARS-CoV-2 vaccine induces sustained antibody responses and polyfunctional cellular immunity

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Global immunization requires effective, broadly deployable vaccines for COVID-19 and emerging diseases.
• Traditional intramuscular vaccines face challenges in stability, delivery, and systemic toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a dissolvable microarray patch (MAP) SARS-CoV-2 vaccine for needle-free immunization.
• To assess the immunogenicity, safety, and stability of the MAP vaccine platform.

Main Methods:

• Development of multicomponent MAPs delivering SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen and a TLR3 agonist (Poly(I:C)).
• Evaluation of immune responses (antibody and cellular) in systemic and mucosal sites.
• Assessment of vaccine stability, toxicity, and antigen-presenting cell activation in human skin models.

Main Results:

• MAP vaccines induced robust systemic and respiratory mucosal antibody and cellular immune responses.
• Antibodies neutralized SARS-CoV-2 efficiently and persisted for over a year.
• The MAP platform demonstrated enhanced stability without refrigeration and reduced systemic adjuvant toxicity.
• MAP vaccines activated skin-migratory antigen-presenting cells, indicating human translation feasibility.

Conclusions:

• The dissolvable MAP vaccine provides effective, needle-free immunization against SARS-CoV-2.
• This platform offers improved immunogenicity, safety, and stability compared to intramuscular vaccines.
• The MAP technology presents a promising alternative for global infectious disease immunization efforts.