We are still at the beginning of the studies. But it certainly affects what reported in a study conducted by the experts of the State University of the North Carolina, who hypothesize for the future the use of the vaccination wire for protection from infections.
The study, in fact, proposes a new opportunity for the administration of the vaccine in an animal model, which provides precisely the stimulus to the immune system directly through the tissue located between teeth and gums. Thanks to this approach, which exploits the characteristics of the cells and the structure that make up what we have between teeth and gums, you can have the production of targeted antibodies (which is then the objective of vaccination) on the mucous surfaces in which the virus that fits into the body through the respiratory tract could initially be found.
The tests found that the new technique stimulates the production of antibodies in mucous surfaces, such as the coating of the nose and lungs, so much so as to suggest the possibility of a “toothpick” vaccination for the future.
What the study proposes
Reading the research, which appeared on Nature Biomedical Engneering, we remain affected by the perspectives that this method of immunization could offer, expressly aimed at the respiratory mucosa area. In summary, with this strategy, we aim to concentrate the antibodies where they serve, or in the mucous membranes, as soon as possible. Normally, with a vaccination that is administered through the classic injection, it is obtained that the response antibodies are produced by the deputies and therefore pass in the blood.
The hypothesis that opens the research is instead different, as two authors of the study confirmed in a note, Harvinder Singh Gill, Cynthia J. McNeill Term:
“We know that when a vaccine is administered through the surface of the mucous membranes, the antibodies are stimulated not only in the blood flow, but also on the surfaces of the mucous membranes. This improves the body’s ability to prevent infections, because there is an additional anti -tear defense line before a pathogenic agent enters the body”.
The value of the joint epithelium
The epithelium can be considered that sort of “carpet” of cells that characterize the different mucous membranes and is obviously different on the basis of the body area, from the respiratory system to the organs of the digestive streets to reach the cells of the urinary tract. We are only doing examples, to understand how and how much the human organism provides different functions for the various epitheli. But in this sort of histological specialization of the tissues, there are also specific epithels such as the so -called joint epithelium.
What are we talking about and why is it important in terms of possible future streets of vaccines? Basically this which is located in the space between tooth and gum does not have those invisible “customs” structures that make up the barrier in other epithelial tissues. Therefore, precisely for this apparent deficiency, it is able to release immune cells to combat microorganisms, with defensive cells that can be found in the mouth. Resuming the note of the American University, which reports Gill’s statements, we read that
“Since the joint epithelium is more permeable than other epithelial tissues, and is a mucous layer, it represents a unique opportunity to introduce vaccines into the body in a way that will stimulate a greater production of antibodies through the mucous layers of the body”.
What the research shows
To determine the feasibility of the administration of vaccines through the joint epithelium, the researchers applied the vaccine on non -cerated wire wire and then passed it on the teeth of laboratory mice. Specifically, the researchers compared the production of antibodies in mice that received a peptide flu vaccine through the use of the interdental floss on the joint epithelium, through the nasal epithelium or by applying the vaccine on the mucous tissue under the language.
Result: the vaccine through administered through the joint epithelium produces an antibody response far superior on mucous surfaces compared to the current Gold Standard for oral vaccination, which provides for the positioning of the vaccine under the language.
Furthermore, with this technique, in the future, you could think of new methods of administration for the anti-influence vaccine. But as mentioned we are only at the beginning. What is certain is that this road could allow you to overcome the potential limits of nasal vaccination which in certain cases can be limited by the barrier naturally made by the mucosa. All this, at least on the basis of the first experiments, with possible impacts also on the practicality of the administration, given that one could have an answer regardless of the assumption of food and drinks. Not only that. In the future, perhaps one could get to the “toothpick” to vaccinate, with repeated passages on the mucosa to encourage the desired defensive response. But obviously it will take time.
