title: Surface-modified diamond nanoparticles as antigen delivery vehicles.
abstract: Recognition of antigens by immunocompetent cells involves interactions that are specific to the chemical sequence and conformation of the epitope (antigenic determinant). Adjuvants that are currently used to enhance immunity to antigens tend to either alter the antigen conformation through surface adsorption or shield potentially critical determinants, e.g., functional groups. It is demonstrated here that surface-modified diamond nanoparticles (5-300 nm) provide conformational stabilization, as well as a high degree of surface exposure to protein antigens. By enhancing the availability and activity of the antigen in vivo, a strong, specific immune response can be elicited. Results are demonstrated for mussel adhesive protein (MAP), a substance for which conventional adjuvants have proven only marginally successful in evoking an immune response. Surface-modified diamond nanoparticles as antigen delivery vehicles are a novel example of the exciting marriage of materials science, chemistry, and biology.
authors.affiliation: Biomaterials Bioreactivity Characterization Laboratory, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine 90024-1732, USA.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kossovsky
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gelman
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Hnatyszyn
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rajguru
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Garrell
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Torbati
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Freitas
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Chow
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D049872:Bivalvia; D002475:Cellobiose; D018130:Diamond / Q000737:chemistry*; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010316:Particle Size; D011506:Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D011817:Rabbits; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D004337:Drug Carriers; D011506:Proteins; C037403:adhesive protein, mussel; D002475:Cellobiose; D018130:Diamond