Transcutaneous immunization in auricle skin induces antigen-specific mucosal and systemic immune responses in BALB/c mice

Transcutaneous immunization with pneumococcal surface protein A in mice

“…In cytokine analysis, both Th1‐type IFN‐γ and Th2‐type IL‐4 significantly increased. These results are consistent with findings in our previous study, and the increase in IL‐4 may have been due to TCI tending to induce a Th2‐type immune response and the use of CT as an adjuvant. However, we believe that the balance of IgG1 and IgG2a is important, because induction of a balanced IgG1 and IgG2a anti‐PspA Ab response correlates with increased protection against systemic pneumococcal infections .…”

“…Transcutaneous immunization is also needle‐free, which should improve compliance, limit risks associated with administration and waste, and reduce costs in formulation and delivery . It is of note that TCI can induce S‐IgA on the mucosal surface, for which subcutaneous injection is not applicable, making prevention of mucosal surface infection possible . A hydrogel patch containing tetanus toxoid and diphtheria toxoid as a TCI formulation induced an immune response in humans without a severe adverse reaction .…”

“…The antigen with adjuvant was dropped onto auricle skin using a pipette. Control groups were immunized on the same timetable with 3 μL PBS alone, 1 μg PspA alone, or 2 μg CT alone . Two weeks after the final immunization, nasal washes (NWs), saliva, and plasma samples were collected.…”

“…Thus, central nervous system toxicity of nasal adjuvants can be a problem. Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) may offer an alternative approach to safe and effective mucosal vaccination and induction of a mucosal immune response . In this study, we examined the efficacy of TCI for induction of PspA‐specific S‐IgA Ab responses in the upper respiratory tract.…”