T cells play a crucial role in eliminating pathogen-infected and cancer cells. Effective activitation of T cells depends on dendritic cells to process and present antigens to initiate and shape T cell responses. As the skin is a highly immunocompetent organ, rich in dendritic cells, it is an ideal site for vaccine delivery. The use of novel delivery technologies enable pain- and needle-free vaccination via the skin. In contrast, immunomodulators are utilized to target T cells directly, especially within the tumor microenvironment overcoming immune suppression.
Our multidisciplinary research group combines formulation science, biomedical engineering, and immunology to design, produce, and evaluate nanoparticles and delivery systems for local administration. We focus on the development of nanoparticulate vaccine formulations, microneedle- and jet injector-based skin delivery, and microinjection technologies for local immunomodulation. Our goal is to enable targeted activation or reprogramming of the immune system for the treatment of cancer and other immune-related diseases.
