Transdermal immunization of P. falciparum surface antigen (MSP-1₁₉) via elastic liposomes confers robust immunogenicity

abstract

As transdermal immunization results in poor immunogenicity, which is attributed to poor permeability of antigens through the skin, we believed ultradeformable lipid vesicles (elastic liposome) might address the challenges encountered during transdermal immunization. The elastic liposome, versatile carrier, proves better vehicle for transcutaneous delivery of protein, peptide and nucleic acid antigens. Our recently published article¹ is suggestive of improved immunogenicity of carboxyl-terminal 19 kDa fragment of merozoite surface protein-1 (PfMSP-119) of Plasmodium falciparum when administered subcutaneously via elastic liposomes (Fig. 1).

Keywords:

• Elastic liposome
• Transdermal delivery
• MSP-119
• Langerhans cells
• Cellular and humoral immunity
• Vaccine
• Immunization

Disclosure of potential conflict of interest

The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.

Funding

This work was funded by a grant from Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi, India and Fellowship (SRF) provided by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR HRDG) New Delhi, India. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. No additional external funding was received for this study.