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Optimized Interferon-gamma ELISpot Assay to Measure T Cell Responses in the Guinea Pig Model after Vaccination
Published on: January 20, 2019
An engineered intradermal microneedle-array device enhances the cellular immune responses in a guinea pig model
Marie-Edith Nepveu-Traversy1, George Giorgi Babuadze2, Darlene Potterton3
1Global Urgent and Advanced Research and Development, Batiscan, QC, Canada.
Frontiers in Immunology
|June 4, 2026
Summary
A novel microneedle injector enhanced cellular immunity for vaccines, including COVID-19 and HPV vaccines, by distributing micro-deposits in the skin. This automated intradermal (ID) delivery method shows promise for improved vaccine efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Vaccinology
- Immunology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Intradermal (ID) vaccination leverages skin's high density of antigen-presenting cells for potent immunogenicity.
- Achieving reliable and effective ID vaccine delivery remains a significant technical hurdle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a programmable microneedle-array intradermal injector (InocuJect) for vaccine delivery.
- To assess the immunogenicity of the InocuJect device compared to conventional methods using different vaccine platforms.
Main Methods:
- Female Hartley guinea pigs were vaccinated using the automated ID device or conventional intradermal injection with electroporation (ID+EP).
- Vaccine platforms included a DNA vaccine encoding SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the GARDASIL®9 vaccine (HPV).
- Humoral and cellular immune responses were measured up to day 56.
Main Results:
- Both delivery methods elicited comparable neutralizing antibody titers for the SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine and HPV16 L1-specific IgG for GARDASIL®9.
- The automated ID device induced significantly stronger antigen-specific cellular immune responses, indicated by increased IFN-γ RNA and protein levels.
- Spatially distributed dermal delivery via microneedles enhanced cellular immune readouts.
Conclusions:
- Microneedle-array-based intradermal injection offers a promising approach for vaccine delivery.
- This method enhances cellular immunity (IFN-γ response) while maintaining humoral immunity.
- The InocuJect device demonstrates potential for improved vaccine immunogenicity across different platforms.
