Targeting of Skin Antigen-Presenting Cells

The study explored novel approaches for targeting antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the skin to enhance vaccine efficacy, particularly for basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and other chronic diseases. Researchers used ptch1+/- mice as a model to study BCC formation and found that immunization with recombinant Hedgehog-Interacting Protein (Hip1) peptides reduced BCCs. The study also investigated transcutaneous (t.c.) vaccination using nanoparticles, identifying hair follicles as key penetration pathways. A pilot study on humans demonstrated that Cyanoacrylate Skin Surface Stripping (CSSS) facilitated nanoparticle penetration, inducing both CD4 and CD8 T cell responses, unlike intramuscular injections which only induced CD4 responses. This suggested that t.c. vaccination could be a promising strategy for inducing robust immune responses.