Clin Exp Vaccine Res.  2017 Jul;6(2):156-159. 10.7774/cevr.2017.6.2.156.

Microneedles: quick and easy delivery methods of vaccines

• Kwon KM
• Lim SM
• Choi S
• Kim DH
• Jin HE
• Jee G
• Hong KJ
• Kim JY

• KMID: 2391576
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7774/cevr.2017.6.2.156

Abstract

Vaccination is the most efficient method for infectious disease prevention. Parenteral injections such as intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections have several advantages in vaccine delivery, but there are many drawbacks. Thus, the development of a new vaccine delivery system has long been required. Recently, microneedles have been attracting attention as new vaccination tools. Microneedle is a highly effective transdermal vaccine delivery method due to its mechanism of action, painlessness, and ease of use. Here, we summarized the characteristics of microneedles and the possibilities as a new vaccine delivery route.

Keyword

Microneedles; Vaccines; Transdermal drug delivery system; Needle-free vaccination

MeSH Terms

Communicable Diseases
Injections, Subcutaneous
Methods*
Vaccination
Vaccines*
Vaccines

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Four types of microneedles. Solid microneedle (A), coated microneedle (B), dissolving microneedle (C), and hollow microneedle (D).

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  Fig. 2 Activation of immune responses by the vaccine using microneedle. When microneedles penetrate the skin layers, vaccine antigens are released into dermal tissue. Released antigens are processed by Langerhans cells and dermal dendritic cells (DCs). Dermal DCs contribute to trigger effector T cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Stimulated CD4+ T cells activate B cells, which secrete antigen-specific antibodies.

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