['Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) is a novel route of vaccination through application of a topical vaccine antigen on skin. Phosphorylcholine (PC) is a structural component of a variety of pathogens, and anti-PC immune responses protect mice against invasive bacterial diseases. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of TCI using PC in back skin or auricle skin in BALB/c mice.', 'TCI was performed in BALB/c mice in back skin or auricle skin using PC-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) plus cholera toxin (CT). Inoculations were given once each week for six consecutive weeks. Immunogenicity was evaluated by measuring PC-specific IgG and specific IgG1, IgG2a, IgM, IgA, and secretory IgA antibodies by ELISA. IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13 and IFN-γ levels were also measured by ELISA.', 'Serum IgG after TCI in auricle skin was significantly higher than after TCI in back skin and in controls. Secretory IgA antibodies after TCI in auricle skin were also significantly higher than after TCI in back skin and in controls in nasal, BALF, vaginal and fecal samples. PC-specific IgG1 and IgG2a were significantly higher after TCI in auricle skin compared to controls and compared to TCI in back skin. IgG1 was significantly higher than IgG2a after TCI in auricle skin. Production of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 from CD4'] Does transcutaneous immunization in auricle skin induce antigen-specific mucosal and systemic immune responses in BALB/c mice?