Exploiting Unique Features of Microneedles to Modulate Immunity
June 2023
in “
Advanced Materials
”
TLDR Microneedles offer a promising, painless, and efficient way to deliver vaccines and therapies directly to the skin.
Microneedle arrays (MNAs) are innovative tools for delivering vaccines and immunotherapies directly to the skin, targeting immune cells more effectively than traditional needles. They offer benefits such as painless application, self-administration, and no need for refrigeration, making them logistically advantageous. The document discusses the design parameters of MNAs for controlled release and their application in preclinical models for various conditions, including infections, cancer, autoimmunity, and allergies. It also addresses challenges like manufacturing and sterility, strategies to minimize off-target effects, and methods to ensure cargo stability. Despite some drawbacks, MNAs present significant opportunities for advancing immune engineering and clinical applications.