Particle-Based Transcutaneous Administration of HIV-1 p24 Protein to Human Skin Explants and Targeting of Epidermal Antigen Presenting Cells

This study explored a transcutaneous vaccination strategy using cyanoacrylate skin surface stripping (CSSS) combined with particle-based delivery to target the HIV-1 p24 protein to skin antigen presenting cells (APC) in human skin explants. The CSSS method pre-activated skin APC and facilitated the accumulation of protein-loaded poly-lactic acid (PLA) and polystyrene (PS) particles in hair follicles, allowing sustained antigen delivery. The particles released the HIV-1 p24 protein, which diffused into the epidermis and dermis, activating Langerhans cells and dermal dendritic cells. The study concluded that this approach was a feasible and effective method for needle-free transcutaneous vaccination, potentially impacting the control of chronic infectious diseases like HIV-1 by inducing both humoral and cellular immune responses.