Comparative transcutaneous immunization with imiquimod-containing ointments and potential of in vitro methods to predict effects

This work evaluates the transcutaneous in vitro and in vivo immunization efficacy of five commercially available 5% imiquimod containing formulations. The parameters included micro- scopic analysis, rheological properties, drug permeation across synthetic membranes of molecular weight cutoff 10kDa and ablated murine skin with both 0.1 M HCl and a phthalate buffer pH 3.6 Ph.Eur./methanol 3/7 (v/v) as receiver solutions in a Franz-diffusion cell model. For in vivo formu- lation characterization, the cytotoxic T-cell activity and interferon-g production in C57BL/6 mice was determined ex vivo 24h after transcutaneous administration. OVA257264 (SIINFEKL) from chicken al- bumin served as a target…