Researchers at INSERM and King’s College London have demonstrated that stretching the skin can enhance immune cell activation and improve the absorption of large molecules, including vaccines. This innovative approach utilizes a suction device to stretch the skin, which not only triggers a local immune response but also increases skin permeability without causing tissue damage. The findings revealed that topical vaccine application during skin stretching resulted in superior immunization compared to traditional subcutaneous injections in mice.
Stuart Jones, PhD, from King’s College London, highlighted the significance of these results, suggesting that this method could revolutionize vaccine delivery and potentially extend to cell therapies and diagnostics. The study, published in Cell Reports, emphasizes the role of mechanical stimuli in modulating skin immune responses, indicating implications for drug delivery and mechanobiology.
While the research primarily involved mice, the results provide a promising foundation for exploring similar immune activation in humans. However, the researchers caution that while this method may enhance vaccine delivery, it could also pose risks, such as increased susceptibility to allergens and toxic compounds. Further investigations are essential to fully understand the implications of this skin-stretching technique in both therapeutic and toxicological contexts.
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