Microneedle delivery of H5N1 influenza virus-like particles to the skin induces long-lasting B and T cell responses in mice

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Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2010 Jul 14. [Epub ahead of print]
Microneedle delivery of H5N1 influenza virus-like particles to the skin induces long-lasting B and T cell responses in mice.

Song JM, Kim YC, Lipatov AS, Pearton M, Davis CT, Yoo DG, Park KM, Chen LM, Quan FS, Birchall J, Donis RO, Prausnitz MR, Compans RW, Kang SM.

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332; Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK.
Abstract

A simple method suitable for self-administration of vaccine would improve mass immunization particularly during a pandemic outbreak. Influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) have been suggested as promising vaccine candidates against potentially pandemic influenza viruses as they confer long-lasting immunity but are not infectious. We investigated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of influenza H5 VLPs containing the hemagglutinin (HA) of A/Vietnam/1203/04 (H5N1) virus delivered into the skin of mice using metal microneedle patches, and also studied the response of Langerhans cells in a human skin model. Prime boost microneedle vaccinations with H5 VLPs elicited higher levels of virus-specific IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies, virus specific antibody secreting cells and cytokine producing cells up to 8 months after vaccination as compared to the same antigen delivered intramuscularly. Both prime boost microneedle and intramuscular vaccinations with H5 VLPs induced similar hemagglutination inhibition titers and conferred 100% protection against lethal challenge with the wild type A/Vietnam/1203/04 virus 16 weeks after vaccination. Microneedle delivery of influenza VLPs to viable human skin using microneedles induced the movement of CD207(+) Langerhans cells toward the basement membrane. Microneedle vaccination in the skin with H5 VLPs represents a promising approach for a self-administered vaccine against viruses with pandemic potential.

PMID: 20631330 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20631330?dopt=Abstract

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Re: Microneedle delivery of H5N1 influenza virus-like particles to the skin induces long-lasting B and T cell responses in mice

Vaccine-Delivery Patch With Dissolving Microneedles Eliminates 'Sharps,' Boosts Protection

ScienceDaily (July 18, 2010) ? A new vaccine-delivery patch based on hundreds of microscopic needles that dissolve into the skin could allow persons without medical training to painlessly administer vaccines -- while providing improved immunization against diseases such as influenza.

Patches containing micron-scale needles that carry vaccine with them as they dissolve into the skin could simplify immunization programs by eliminating the use of hypodermic needles -- and their "sharps" disposal and re-use concerns. Applied easily to the skin, the microneedle patches could allow self-administration of vaccine during pandemics and simplify large-scale immunization programs in developing nations.

Details of the dissolving microneedle patches and immunization benefits observed in experimental mice were reported July 18th in the advance online publication of the journal Nature Medicine. Conducted by researchers from Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, the study is believed to be the first to evaluate the immunization benefits of dissolving microneedles. The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

"In this study, we have shown that a dissolving microneedle patch can vaccinate against influenza at least as well, and probably better than, a traditional hypodermic needle," said Mark Prausnitz, a professor in the Georgia Tech School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Just 650 microns in length and assembled into an array of 100 needles for the mouse study, the dissolving microneedles penetrate the outer layers of skin. Beyond their other advantages, the dissolving microneedles appear to provide improved immunity to influenza when compared to vaccination with hypodermic needles.


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