Universiteit Leiden

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Research project

Transcutaneous vaccination by means of coated and hollow microneedles

Transcutaneous vaccination is attractive because it is non- or minimally invasive, pain free and the site of administration (skin) is easily accessible. What’s more, transcutaneous immunization can lead to a strong immune response owing to the presence of immune-competent cells in the skin.

Our group has reported that pre-treatment of the skin with microneedles can lead to a drastic increase of the immune response. However, large doses of antigens are required to induce a potent immune response. To reduce the antigen dose, other approaches can be used, such as antigen coated microneedles or hollow microneedles.

In this project we aim to efficiently deliver the antigen into the epidermis and/or dermis, By combining the microneedle approach with nanoparticles. We develop nanoparticles and deliver them into human or mice skin by means of coated or hollow microneedles. After having studied the delivery into the skin, selected formulations and microneedles will be used induce humoral and cellular immune responses.

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