South SFV Today

Stanford University researchers have developed a potential new method of vaccination using a skin bacterium, Staphylococcus epidermidis. This approach could replace traditional needle-based vaccines with a topical cream application. Michael Fischbach, PhD, the Liu (Liao) Family Professor and professor of bioengineering at Stanford, explained the appeal: “We all hate needles – everybody does. I haven’t found a single person who doesn’t like the idea that it’s possible to replace a shot with a cream.”

The research focused on the immune response to S. epidermidis, which is commonly found on human skin. The study, published in Nature, revealed that this bacterium can trigger an antibody response similar to that of traditional vaccinations. "It’s as if the mice had been vaccinated," Fischbach noted.

Fischbach's team identified a protein called Aap on S. epidermidis as key to stimulating an immune response. They engineered the bacterium to present fragments of tetanus and diphtheria toxins within Aap's structure, leading to high levels of antibodies against these toxins in mice.

In experiments where mice were exposed to lethal doses of tetanus toxin after receiving modified S. epidermidis applications, those treated with the engineered bacteria survived without symptoms. The researchers also tested attaching toxin fragments directly onto Aap externally and found it produced strong antibody responses.

Fischbach emphasized future steps: “We know it works in mice... Next, we need to show it works in monkeys.” If successful, clinical trials could begin within two or three years.

This research involved contributions from several institutions including the University of California, Davis; National Human Genome Research Institute; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; and National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Funding was provided by various organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.