Scientists at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled a groundbreaking bandage-like microneedle patch that captures immune responses directly from the skin without pain or invasion. This device identifies inflammatory signals in minutes and gathers specialized immune cells within hours, eliminating the need for blood draws or biopsies.
The innovation already aids studies on immune responses in aging and skin conditions such as vitiligo and psoriasis. It holds promise for monitoring reactions to vaccines, infections, and cancer treatments, offering a patient-friendly alternative to conventional methods.
How the Patch Harnesses Skin Immunity
The patch taps into resident memory T cells, immune sentinels stationed in the skin and barrier tissues. These cells quickly detect familiar threats like viruses or allergens, releasing signals that draw in additional immune reinforcements from the bloodstream.
By activating this natural alarm, the patch concentrates key immune cells in the skin for sampling. It reveals T cell counts, activation states, and signaling molecules, providing insights into immune strength against specific conditions.
“Traditionally, studying key immune cells requires skin biopsies or blood draws. We’ve shown we can capture them painlessly and noninvasively instead,” states Sasan Jalili, a biomedical engineer and immunologist at JAX. “This matters greatly in visible areas like the face or neck, where scarring concerns deter biopsies, and for older adults, frail patients, or infants.”
Originating from Jalili’s postdoctoral work at MIT, the technology advanced toward clinical use at JAX in partnership with University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMass Chan).
Test Results in Animals and Humans
In mouse vaccination models, the patch significantly increased recovery of antigen-specific T cells, pulling them from circulation into the skin. A human trial at UMass Chan yielded a diverse array of immune cells and proteins, including resident memory T cells.
“This study demonstrates the first live human immune cell sampling via microneedle patch, paving the way for practical, painless immune monitoring,” Jalili notes. He also serves as joint faculty at UConn School of Medicine.
The device features hundreds of tiny needles crafted from FDA-approved polymer, coated in a safe seaweed-derived hydrogel that draws cells and fluids from upper skin layers. It avoids nerves and vessels, minimizing irritation.
Future Potential and Ongoing Research
While blood tests and biopsies remain vital, this patch expands monitoring options, especially for skin disorders like psoriasis and allergic dermatitis where immune drivers reside locally.
“Extensive preclinical work led straight to human testing—a rare feat for emerging tech,” says study co-author Darrell Irvine, immunologist and bioengineer at Scripps Research, who initiated the project at MIT.
Jalili applies the patch to explore age-related skin inflammation and frailty through the Pepper Scholars Program at UConn School of Medicine and UConn Center on Aging. Future adaptations could enable at-home use for flare-ups or extend to oral and nasal monitoring.
“Sampling for 15 to 30 minutes suffices to detect inflammation and tissue activity,” Jalili adds.
The findings appear in Nature Biomedical Engineering (Jalili, S., et al., 2026, DOI: 10.1038/s41551-026-01617-7).
