Virus-like Particles in Nanoparticles in Microneedles (VNMs) for Mucosal Vaccine Delivery
- Technology Benefits
- Non-invasive delivery of vaccinesIncreased efficiency of vaccinesthrough the targeted delivery to skin resident dendritic cells Thermo-stable vaccine; does notrequire cold-chain during storage, transport and immunizationAllows for vaccines that can beself-administered Effective local immune response This platform can also be used todeliver a wide variety of drugs, biologics and other administrable substances
- Detailed Technology Description
- Anovel vaccine delivery platform of virus-like particles (VLPs) encapsulatednanoparticles (NPs) for use in microneedles.
- *Abstract
-
Thevirus-like particles (VLPs) encapsulated nanoparticles (NPs) can be loaded into microneedle molds to obtain dissolvablemicroneedles, coated onto solid microneedles, or administered into the dermallayer using hollow microneedles. When applied to the skin, for example, the NPscontaining VLPs will quickly release into the skin (epidermal and dermalregions) to be taken up by the immune cells present in those regions. Thisvaccination strategy induces an effective local immune response since thedermal region of the skin contains important immune cells, such as DCs,compared to the muscles or subcutaneous tissue. In addition, this vaccine delivery platform does not require needles andsyringes, would be easy to administer (self-administrable), and does notrequire refrigeration during storage.
- *Background
- The dermal region of the skinlayer has significant potential as an immunization site since it harborscritical immune cells such as dendritic cells (DCs), which play an importantrole in generating an immune response. Although vaccines that are currently administeredintradermally are effective, they require invasive hypodermic needles that cancause patient pain, risk accidental needle-stick injuries, requires trainedpersonnel, requires appropriate needle disposal, and refrigeration is requiredfor vaccine storage and transportation. Microneedle (MN) arrays are a deliveryplatform that are minimally invasive and can achieve enhanced transdermaldelivery of vaccines and other biological molecules. Influenza vaccinationusing MNs is already in clinical use and has shown better protection in elderlyadults compared to conventional immunization. With the success and benefits oftransdermal vaccinations, there is a present need for advancements in thisspace to provide superior vaccine delivery.
- Country/Region
- USA
