title: Transdermal immunization: biological framework and translational perspectives.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The renaissance in drug delivery research during the past decade led to several new approaches toward vaccine development. Transdermal immunization (TI) is a promising modality with both practical and immunological merits. Compared with conventional routes of administration, this needle-free delivery approach with ability to target the rich immunologically milieu of the skin provides a dual-edged benefit. It not only elicits an effective immune response in both systemic and mucosal compartments but has the potential to make vaccine delivery more equitable, safer and efficient.
  
  
  METHODS
  Over the years, numerous studies have explored physical, chemical and nanocarrier-based strategies to develop vaccines using this attractive route of delivery. The review provides insight into the various facets including research at interface that might drive novel basic scientific ideas to translational outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As we continue to develop TI as a vaccine delivery method, it is important to consider the practical application of this method and device strategies that best fit the public health needs. In the authors' view, nanoengineering-based approaches holds a great promise to overcome the associated challenges in TI and might help to translate early laboratory successes into the development of effective clinical prophylactics.
authors.affiliation: Guru Ghasidas Central University, SLT Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, Bilaspur (CG) 495009, India. dineshdops@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Dinesh Kumar
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Mishra
authors.forename: Vinod
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dhote
authors.forename: Pradyumna Kumar
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Mishra
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000379:methods*; D057968:Transdermal Patch; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical; D014611:Vaccination; D014612:Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines