Authors: Sissela Broos, Kristina Lundberg, Takami Akagi, Koji Kadowaki, Mitsuru Akashi, Lennart Greiff, Carl A.K. Borrebaeck, Malin Lindstedt

Journal: Vaccine (2010)

Institution: Lund University

Research Areas: Immunology

Cell Lines: MoDC (Monocyte-derived dendritic cell)

Summary: Novel adjuvants and antigen-delivery systems with immunomodulatory properties that shift the allergenic Th2 response towards a Th1 or regulatory T cell response are desired for allergen-specific immunotherapy. This study demonstrates that 200-nm sized biodegradable poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) nanoparticles (NPs) are activators of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs). γ-PGA NPs are efficiently internalized by immature MoDCs and strongly stimulate the production of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines as well as up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules and immunomodulatory mediators involved inefficient T cell priming. The study suggests γ-PGA NPs are promising as sophisticated adjuvants and allergen-delivery systems in allergen-specific immunotherapy. HoloMonitor M2 was used to study cell morphology.

Keywords: HoloMonitor M2, Cell morphology, Allergy, Antigen presentation, Vaccination, Immunotherapy