NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Patches covered in microscopic needles could tattoo vaccines into the skin to boost a patient’s defense against disease, researchers say.

Vaccines help bodies develop immunity to diseases by exposing immune systems to potential invaders. Scientists are now developing DNA vaccines that deliver genes from contagions into patients; the cells of vaccinated people then churn out molecules from those potential intruders that function like wanted signs, helping immune systems recognize dangerous threats.