Transdermal Influenza Vaccination with Microneedles
Author Information
Author(s): Koutsonanos Dimitrios G., Martin Maria del Pilar, Zarnitsyn Vladimir G., Sullivan Sean P., Compans Richard W., Prausnitz Mark R., Skountzou Ioanna
Primary Institution: Emory University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Microneedle-based vaccination will provide protective immunity against influenza with at least equivalent efficacy and improved applicability relative to current vaccination methods.
Conclusion
Microneedle vaccination induced strong immune responses and provided complete protection against lethal influenza virus challenge, comparable to traditional intramuscular immunization.
Supporting Evidence
- Microneedle vaccination induced a broad spectrum of immune responses including CD4+ and CD8+ responses.
- Mice immunized with microneedles showed complete protection against lethal virus challenge.
- Microneedle delivery demonstrated a dose-sparing effect compared to intramuscular immunization.
Takeaway
Using tiny needles to deliver the flu vaccine through the skin can work just as well as the regular shot and might be easier to use.
Methodology
Mice were immunized with inactivated influenza virus using microneedle arrays and then challenged with a lethal dose of the virus to assess immune response and protection.
Participant Demographics
Female Balb/c mice, 6–8 weeks old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0035
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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