title: Multilayered polyelectrolyte films: from active molecular delivery to vaccine therapy.
abstract: A paper in this issue discusses the use of multilayered polyelectrolyte films incorporating a hydrolytically degradable polymer for transcutaneous drug or vaccine delivery. Dried films could be deconstructed rapidly, and a model protein antigen (ovalbumin) and/or immunostimulatory molecules could be released with different kinetics. Both molecules could also be delivered to antigen-presenting cells in the skin (Langerhans cells). The described approach provides a new route for the storage of vaccines. Successful antigen processing and presentation to lymphocytes remain ongoing challenges before the concept can be used in the next generation of vaccines.
authors.affiliation: Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, 11 rue Humann, Strasbourg, France. jean-claude.voegel@medecine.u-strasbg.fr
authors.forename: Jean-Claude
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Voegel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000633:toxicity; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D016233:Immunotherapy, Active; D051379:Mice; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000633:toxicity; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D014612:Vaccines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D004573:Electrolytes; D011108:Polymers; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D014612:Vaccines