Colloidal Carrier Systems for Transcutaneous Immunization

Recently, the skin has emerged as a potential alternative route for non-invasive delivery of vaccine. It has been recognized as a highly immune-reactive tissue containing an abundance of antigen presenting cells, especially within the epidermis. Transcutaneous immunization, introduction of antigen through topical application onto the intact skin, has many practical merits compared to injectable routes of administration. It combines the advantages of needle-free delivery while targeting the immunologically rich milieu of the skin. This simple and non-invasive immunization procedure elicits systemic and cell mediated immune responses and therefore, it provides a viable and cost-effective strategy for disease prevention. Various strategies i.e physical, chemical and novel carrier systems can be explored for trancutaneous immunization. Specially designed vaccine carrier systems are attracting immense attention and these could be potential module for non-invasive antigen delivery. The review covers topical delivery consideration in brief followed by an insight into various novel delivery systems for transcutaneous vaccine delivery.