Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sachiko Hirobe, Ryo Susai, Honoka Takeuchi, Ryosuke Eguchi, Sayami Ito, Ying-Shu Quan, Fumio Kamiyama, Naoki Okada
Summary: Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) using dissolving microneedle (MN) patches is an efficient vaccination method with high efficacy and minimal adverse events. In this study, we investigated the immune induction mechanisms of TCI using MN patches, focusing on inflammatory responses in the skin and the activation and differentiation of immunocompetent cells in draining lymph nodes (dLNs). Our findings suggest that TCI using MN patches induces inflammatory responses in the skin, leading to the activation and migration of antigen-presenting cells to dLNs and promoting the differentiation of T and B cells for efficient antibody production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Sayami Ito, Sachiko Hirobe, Ryo Yamashita, Arisa Sugiyama, Honoka Takeuchi, Ryosuke Eguchi, Junya Yoshida, Takayoshi Oyamada, Masashi Tachibana, Naoki Okada
Summary: Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) is an effective and less painful vaccination method than conventional injectable vaccination. This study investigated the immune response induction mechanism of TCI using self-dissolving microneedle patches (sdMN) through examining local skin reactions and immune cell dynamics and differentiation in draining lymph nodes (DLNs). The findings demonstrated that sdMN application promoted proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in skin tissues, activated antigen-presenting cell subsets, and facilitated their migration to DLNs. Additionally, sdMN application promoted CD4(+) T cell and B cell differentiation and the formation of germinal centers, leading to efficient production of antigen-specific antibodies.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Haochen Wang, Junhua Xu, Lin Xiang
Summary: Efforts are being made to explore economical and efficient vaccination methods to combat frequent global epidemics. Nucleic acid vaccines have attracted much attention due to their design flexibility and wide application, but their clinical translation is limited by the lack of an efficient delivery system. Microneedles offer a painless, cost-effective, and efficient drug delivery strategy, breaking through the skin barrier to deliver vaccines to immune cell-rich areas. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown the feasibility of microneedle-mediated vaccination and its potential for nucleic acid vaccine delivery. This review summarizes the current research status and improvements in microneedle vaccines, as well as the challenges for future clinical translation.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jungyoon Ohn, Mingyu Jang, Bo Mi Kang, Huisuk Yang, Jin Tae Hong, Kyu Han Kim, Ohsang Kwon, Hyungil Jung
Summary: The newly designed candle flame-shaped TA-loaded dissolving microneedles can effectively treat chronic inflammatory skin diseases, reduce patient pain, and are favored by dermatologists.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Y. Tian, J. Lee, K. van der Maaden, Y. Bhide, J. J. de Vries-Idema, R. Akkerman, C. O'Mahony, W. Jiskoot, H. W. Frijlink, A. L. W. Huckriede, W. L. J. Hinrichs, J. A. Bouwstra, M. Beukema
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of trehalose/pullulan-based dissolving-microneedle-arrays (dMNAs) as an alternative dosage form for influenza vaccination. The produced dMNAs have sufficient mechanical strength and stability to penetrate ex vivo human skin and dissolve within a short period of time to release antigens. Immunization of mice with influenza antigens via freshly prepared or stored dMNAs resulted in antibody titers comparable to intramuscularly injected mice, providing partial protection against influenza virus infection.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mingyu Jang, Bo Mi Kang, Huisuk Yang, Jungyoon Ohn, Ohsang Kwon, Hyungil Jung
Summary: Dissolving microneedles (DMN) with therapeutic molecules have been developed to enhance transdermal drug delivery efficiency, particularly for treating skin inflammatory diseases like atopic dermatitis (AD). High-dose TA-DMN is presented as a potential candidate for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jihui Lee, Koen van der Maaden, Gerrit Gooris, Conor O'Mahony, Wim Jiskoot, Joke Bouwstra
Summary: A reproducible fabrication method for dissolving microneedle arrays (dMNAs) has been developed based on an automated nano-droplet dispensing system, which successfully minimized antigen waste. The system reduced the volume of antigen/polymer solution by 98.5% and shortened the production time by one day compared to centrifugation of the mold method.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sayoni Ray, David M. Wirth, Oscar A. Ortega-Rivera, Nicole F. Steinmetz, Jonathan K. Pokorski
Summary: Prophylactic HPV vaccines are currently inaccessible to many due to cost and administration challenges. This study developed dissolvable microneedles loaded with a thermally stable HPV vaccine candidate. The vaccine showed similar antibody responses and dose sparing effect compared to traditional injection, and it can be stored at room temperature for easy distribution. The self-administration and minimal invasiveness of the microneedle patch may lead to better patient compliance, and the technology has broad applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Da Som Kim, Hyeseon Lee, Min Jae Kim, Keum-Yong Seong, Jea Sic Jeong, So Young Kim, Eui-Man Jung, Seung Yun Yang, Beum-Soo An
Summary: This study demonstrates that dissolvable and swellable microneedle patches made from hyaluronic acid (HA) or gelatin can improve skin elasticity. These patches increase dermal thickness by increasing elastin levels, preventing collagen degradation, and promoting fibroblast viability and proliferation.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alvaro Carcamo-Martinez, Bronach Mallon, Qonita Kurnia Anjani, Juan Dominguez-Robles, Emilia Utomo, Lalit K. Vora, Ismael A. Tekko, Eneko Larraneta, Ryan F. Donnelly
Summary: Autoimmune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, alopecia areata, and vitiligo can significantly impact patients' quality of life. Treatment with systemic steroids is common but may not always be successful. Recent studies have shown promising results with oral Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, although they come with frequent side effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dengning Xia, Rui Jin, Gaurav Byagathvalli, Huan Yu, Ling Ye, Chao-Yi Lu, M. Saad Bhamla, Chinglai Yang, Mark R. Prausnitz
Summary: The novel ePatch system enables low-cost, handheld DNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, inducing strong antibody responses with at least 10-fold dose sparing compared to conventional injection methods. The vaccination process is well tolerated with mild, transient effects on the skin, offering a portable and accessible approach for combating COVID-19 and other epidemics.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liangliang Wang, Li Yang, Feng Zhang, Xuejie Liu, Qian Xie, Qingyun Liu, Lifang Yuan, Tianyi Zhao, Sidian Xie, Qiuyi Xu, Wudi Zhou, Lin Mei, Huacheng Yan, Xiaowei Zeng, Yuelong Shu
Summary: Seasonal influenza A viruses continue to pose a public health threat, and current vaccines are not sufficiently effective because of virus mutation. There is an urgent need to develop a broad-protection influenza A vaccine. In this study, DNA nanovaccines containing potential universal hemagglutinin (HA) sequences were developed and delivered via microneedle, inducing better cellular and cross-reactivity and protective immunity compared with intramuscular injection.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ying Zheng, Rui Ye, Xia Gong, Jingbo Yang, Bin Liu, Yunsheng Xu, Gang Nie, Xi Xie, Lelun Jiang
Summary: COVID-19 poses a serious threat to public health, and a wearable iontophoresis-driven microneedle (MN) patch is developed for active and efficient transdermal vaccine delivery. The patch consists of polyacrylamide/chitosan hydrogels with excellent properties, and the delivery efficiency is greatly improved by the synergistic effect of MN puncture and iontophoresis. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate controlled delivery of ovalbumin and a stronger immune response compared to traditional intramuscular injection, with minimal biosafety concerns. This low-cost and user-friendly delivery system has great potential for vaccine self-administration at home.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Wei Wan, Yue Li, Jing Wang, Zhiying Jin, Wenwen Xin, Lin Kang, Junhong Wang, Xiaoyang Li, Yakun Cao, Hao Yang, Jinglin Wang, Shan Gao
Summary: In this study, a new type of dissolving microneedle patch (dMN) with a nanoparticle adjuvant was developed to enhance immune response and deliver the rETX(Y196E)-C protein vaccine. The dMN vaccine showed good mechanical properties, immunogenicity, and protection, effectively preventing ETX poisoning.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Qonita Kurnia Anjani, Akmal Hidayat Bin Sabri, Emilia Utomo, Juan Dominguez-Robles, Ryan F. Donnelly
Summary: The addition of surfactants in the manufacture of dissolving microneedle array patches (MAPs) was explored in this study. The results showed that the incorporation of surfactants improved the reduction in microneedle height, increased the drug loading and insertion depth, and enhanced delivery efficiency.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhiqi Xie, Yukio Ago, Naoki Okada, Masashi Tachibana
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2018)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sayami Ito, Sachiko Hirobe, Yu Kuwabara, Mizuho Nagao, Mio Saito, Ying-Shu Quan, Fumio Kamiyama, Takao Fujisawa, Naoki Okada
PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Zhiqi Xie, Tamami Ikegami, Yukio Ago, Naoki Okada, Masashi Tachibana
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kento Fujiwara, Kazuki Shigematsu, Masashi Tachibana, Naoki Okada
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Momo Kamei, Kazuhiko Matsuo, Haruka Imanishi, Yuta Hara, Ying-Shu Quen, Fumio Kamiyama, Naoki Oiso, Akira Kawada, Naoki Okada, Takashi Nakayama
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Cell Biology
Kento Fujiwara, Ayaka Tsunei, Hotaka Kusabuka, Erika Ogaki, Masashi Tachibana, Naoki Okada
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sayami Ito, Sachiko Hirobe, Takuto Kawakita, Mio Saito, Ying-Shu Quan, Fumio Kamiyama, Ken J. Ishii, Mizuho Nagao, Takao Fujisawa, Masashi Tachibana, Naoki Okada
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kento Fujiwara, Mizuki Masutani, Masashi Tachibana, Naoki Okada
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Kento Fujiwara, Shigemi Sasawatari, Sho Nakai, Keisuke Imaeda, Seina Nagai, Yoshihiro Matsuno, Kanako Hatanaka, Yutaka Hatanaka, Satoshi Takenaka, Naoki Okada
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kento Fujiwara, Masaki Kitaura, Ayaka Tsunei, Hotaka Kusabuka, Erika Ogaki, Naoki Okada
Summary: Genetically engineered T cells expressing CAR have potential to eliminate tumor cells but may cause severe side effects. Optimization of CAR structure and signaling can improve efficacy and toxicity of CAR-T cells. The study highlights the importance of CAR structure and signaling on CAR-T cell function.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sachiko Hirobe, Ryo Susai, Honoka Takeuchi, Ryosuke Eguchi, Sayami Ito, Ying-Shu Quan, Fumio Kamiyama, Naoki Okada
Summary: Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) using dissolving microneedle (MN) patches is an efficient vaccination method with high efficacy and minimal adverse events. In this study, we investigated the immune induction mechanisms of TCI using MN patches, focusing on inflammatory responses in the skin and the activation and differentiation of immunocompetent cells in draining lymph nodes (dLNs). Our findings suggest that TCI using MN patches induces inflammatory responses in the skin, leading to the activation and migration of antigen-presenting cells to dLNs and promoting the differentiation of T and B cells for efficient antibody production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Sayami Ito, Sachiko Hirobe, Ryo Yamashita, Arisa Sugiyama, Honoka Takeuchi, Ryosuke Eguchi, Junya Yoshida, Takayoshi Oyamada, Masashi Tachibana, Naoki Okada
Summary: Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) is an effective and less painful vaccination method than conventional injectable vaccination. This study investigated the immune response induction mechanism of TCI using self-dissolving microneedle patches (sdMN) through examining local skin reactions and immune cell dynamics and differentiation in draining lymph nodes (DLNs). The findings demonstrated that sdMN application promoted proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in skin tissues, activated antigen-presenting cell subsets, and facilitated their migration to DLNs. Additionally, sdMN application promoted CD4(+) T cell and B cell differentiation and the formation of germinal centers, leading to efficient production of antigen-specific antibodies.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sachiko Hirobe, Taki Yamasaki, Sayami Ito, Ying-Shu Quan, Fumio Kamiyama, Masashi Tachibana, Naoki Okada
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of imiquimod (IMQ) as a transcutaneous adjuvant. The results showed that transcutaneously administered IMQ increased migration of Langerhans cells and proliferation of CD4(+) T cells, and promoted B cell activation and germinal center (GC) B cell differentiation.
Article
Immunology
Sachiko Hirobe, Takuto Kawakita, Taki Yamasaki, Sayami Ito, Masashi Tachibana, Naoki Okada
Summary: This study investigated the transcutaneous adjuvant activity of CpG oligonucleotide (K3) in mice and found that K3 can promote B cell activation and maturation during transcutaneous immunization (TCI), resulting in a rapid increase in antigen-specific antibody titers and memory differentiation of T and B cells. Specifically, the combination of OVA and K3 doubled the number of cells in draining lymph nodes (dLN), with a significant increase in B cells, indicating the potential of K3 as a transcutaneous adjuvant for enhancing immune responses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sachiko Hirobe, Seina Nagai, Masashi Tachibana, Naoki Okada
Summary: Chimeric antigen receptor expression T (CAR-T) cell therapy has shown efficacy against relapsed/refractory B-cell malignant lymphoma and is considered an innovative cancer treatment. CAR-T cells targeting roundabout homolog 4 (Robo4), which is highly expressed in tumor vascular endothelial cells, have been constructed to overcome the challenges of solid tumor accessibility and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. These CAR-T cells exhibit antigen-specific cytotoxicity, cytokine production, and proliferation correlated with their binding affinity for Robo4.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiyuan Shi, Yong Hu, Xin Li
Summary: Controlled drug delivery systems that can respond to mechanical force offer a unique solution for on-demand drug activation and release. Among various mechanical stimuli, ultrasound (US) has advantages in achieving spatiotemporally controlled drug release. Traditional US-triggered drug release relies on heat-induced phase transitions or chemical transformations, while the cutting-edge approach of Sonopharmacology leverages polymer mechanochemistry. The remaining challenges and potential future directions in this field are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lijie Zheng, Yuanzheng Chen, Xun Gu, Yingying Li, Hanqing Zhao, Wenjun Shao, Tao Ma, Chuanbin Wu, Qingqing Wang
Summary: In this study, a novel dosage form consisting of dissolving microneedles and an adhesive transdermal patch was developed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the combination of drugs delivered by this dosage form effectively reduced joint inflammation and damage.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kyungjik Yang, Hwa Seung Han, Seung Hwan An, Kyung Hoon Park, Keonwook Nam, Shinha Hwang, Yuyeon Lee, Sung Yeon Cho, Taehyung Kim, Deokyeong Choe, Sang Won Kim, Wonkyu Yu, Hyunah Lee, Jiyong Park, Sangguan You, Dong- Gyu Jo, Ki Young Choi, Young Hoon Roh, Jae Hyung Park
Summary: This study developed CP-loaded CS microcapsules to enhance the oral bioavailability of CP through controlled gastrointestinal delivery. The optimized microcapsules exhibited desirable physicochemical properties, showed anti-photoaging effects via antioxidant activity, and achieved controlled release in the gastrointestinal tract. This research provides a simple and economical approach for enhancing the oral bioavailability of CP for customized bioactive compound administration.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huiyang Li, Shuo Liu, Wenjin Dai, Bingmei Yao, Yong Zhou, Sujia Si, Hairong Yu, Riguang Zhao, Fang Jin, Liqun Jiang
Summary: Changes in bodily fluid pressures are crucial in diseases like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Researchers have developed hydrostatic pressure-sensitive multivesicular liposomes (PSMVLs) that can release drugs in response to pressure changes, with potential applications in HAPE treatment. Animal experiments showed that this system provides better protection for lung tissues and respiratory function, reducing the occurrence of pulmonary edema.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qian Hu, Hongbing Lan, Yinmei Tian, Xiaonan Li, Mengmeng Wang, Jiao Zhang, Yulin Yu, Wei Chen, Li Kong, Yuanyuan Guo, Zhiping Zhang
Summary: Coacervate droplets formed through liquid-liquid phase separation have potential as delivery vesicles for therapeutics. However, their lack of physiological stability and membranes are challenges. In this study, polylysine-polynucleotide complex coacervate droplets with favorable stability were formulated to concentrate molecules and nanoparticles. Phospholipid membranes were further coated on the droplets to create coacervate-based artificial protocells (ArtPC) with membrane-like structures. These biofunctional ArtPC effectively reduced blood uric acid levels and prevented renal injuries.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaowei Wang, Hongwei Lu, Fang Luo, Dan Wang, Apeng Wang, Xuelei Wang, Wenkai Feng, Xiaobo Wang, Jiayi Su, Mingliang Liu, Guimin Xia
Summary: Four novel lipid-like GEM diesters were synthesized and encapsulated into liposomes to improve the antitumor efficacy of Gemcitabine. The liposomes loaded with dimyristoyl GEM (LipodmGEM) showed enhanced cellular uptake, improved inhibition of cell migration, and a greatly extended half-life compared to free Gemcitabine. LipodmGEM successfully enriched the drug in the tumor and exhibited excellent anticancer efficacy in vivo with negligible systemic toxicity.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pengyu Li, Jieyi Pan, Yating Dong, Yingying Sun, Yalong Wang, Kang Liao, Yili Chen, Xin Deng, Shihui Yu, Haiyan Hu
Summary: Chronic pulmonary infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a serious public health problem with high mortality rates. In this study, infection-microenvironment responsive nanoparticles were developed to eradicate biofilms and inhibit virulence. These nanoparticles showed promising results in treating chronic pulmonary infections.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yajing Sun, Ze Lu, John A. Taylor, Jessie L. S. Au
Summary: A recent development in cancer chemotherapy is the use of cytotoxics to induce tumor-specific immune response through immunogenic cell death (ICD). This study describes a method that utilizes immunostaining and machine-learning to identify cells with ecto-CRT in intact 3-dimensional tissues. The method was successfully applied to study drug-induced ICD in human bladder cancer.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rafat Ali, Shantanu Sen, Rohil Hameed, Aamir Nazir, Sandeep Verma
Summary: This review provides a focused overview of emerging strategies for delivering gasotransmitters in a controlled and sustained manner to reestablish neurophysiological homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Chen, Xinyi Zhang, Jinshen Zhang, Zhaoxia Wang, Guilan Zhu, Ming Geng, Jinmiao Zhu, Yajun Chen, Wei Wang, Youcui Xu
Summary: In this study, a multifunctional responsive hydrogel system was developed for synergistic reoxygenation and chemo/photothermal therapy. The hydrogel system showed both therapeutic effects against metastatic breast cancer and wound infection, making it a promising strategy for treating and preventing tumor recurrence and associated wound infection.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Baoshan Huang, Na Zhang, Xinying Qiu, Rui Zeng, Shuimiao Wang, Mengxia Hua, Qing Li, Kaihui Nan, Sen Lin
Summary: This study revealed that robust ROS can oxidize mitochondrial DNA (ox-mtDNA) and cause its release into the cytosol, resulting in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. By using the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 and a novel mitochondria-targeted nanoparticle (SkQ1 NP), it was found that mitochondrial ROS scavenging could in situ inhibit DED-induced mtDNA oxidation and suppress NLRP3-mediated inflammation.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenqi Liu, Cheng Hu, Linyu Long, Shuyi He, Wen Zhang, Zhicun Wang, Li Yang, Yunbing Wang
Summary: Myocardial infarction is the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, and current treatment methods have limitations. This study developed a smart carrier that can release different therapeutic substances for different pathological processes, effectively improving cardiac function, promoting cardiac repair, and preventing ventricular remodeling.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)