Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel microneedle array (MNA) technology for the delivery of adenovirus vectored vaccines, both with and without adjuvants. This approach leverages the skin's innate immune network, which is highly responsive to environmental stimuli, to induce a robust immune response. The MNA vaccine platform uniquely enables the delivery of antigen-encoding viral vectors or combinations of adjuvant and antigen-encoding vectors directly to the skin microenvironment, significantly enhancing immunogenicity. This technology could transform the development of universal vaccines and improve global immunization efforts.
Description
The microneedle array (MNA) technology incorporates live adenoviral vectors and adjuvants into the microneedle matrix, enabling precise and reproducible delivery to the skin. The skin serves as an ideal vaccination site due to its rich network of immune cells, which can create a proinflammatory environment that supports adaptive immunity. The MNA platform allows for the administration of viral vectors, or a combination of adjuvants and viral vectors, in a single application. This has been shown to improve immunogenicity and holds promise for developing vaccines against various pathogens, including coronaviruses and other viruses.
Applications
• Vaccine delivery
• Antiviral immunity enhancement
• Antitumor immunity research
Advantages
The microneedle array (MNA) technology offers several advantages, including the ability to deliver live adenoviral vectors and adjuvants precisely to the skin's immune-active microenvironments, which enhances the overall immune response. This targeted delivery approach is both precise and reproducible, making it a versatile tool for vaccine development. Furthermore, it holds potential for broad application across various fields, such as antiviral and antitumor immunity, and supports the creation of universal vaccines, thereby significantly improving global immunization strategies.
Invention Readiness
The microneedle array delivery system for adenovirus vectored vaccines is at an advanced stage of development, supported by in vivo data that demonstrates its efficacy. Experimental studies have shown that MNAs can successfully deliver live adenoviral vectors to skin microenvironments, eliciting strong cellular immune responses. The studies also indicate that combining the adenoviral vectors with adjuvants within the MNA platform further enhances immunogenicity, resulting in robust and long-lasting adaptive immunity. This technology has been tested using various formulations and geometric structures of MNAs, proving its adaptability and effectiveness.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230145599A1Related Publication(s)
Erdos, G., Balmert, S. C., Carey, C. D., Falo, G. D., Patel, N. A., Zhang, J., Gambotto, A., Korkmaz, E., & Falo, L. D., Jr. (2020). Improved Cutaneous Genetic Immunization by Microneedle Array Delivery of an Adjuvanted Adenovirus Vaccine. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 140(12), 2528-2531.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2020.03.966
