Immunomodulating activities of soluble synthetic polymer-bound drugs.
The introduction of a synthetic material into the body always affects different body systems, including the defense system. Synthetic polymers are usually thymus-independent antigens with only a limited ability to elicit antibody formation or to induce a cellular immune response against them. However, there are many other ways that they influence or can be used to influence the immune system of the host. Low-immunogenic water-soluble synthetic polymers sometimes exhibit significant immunomodulating activity, mainly concerning the activation/suppression of NK cells, LAK cells and macrophages. Some of them, such as poly(ethylene glycol) and poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide], can be used as effective protein carriers, as they are able to reduce the immunogenicity of conjugated proteins and/or to reduce non-specific uptake of liposome/nanoparticle-entrapped drugs and other therapeutic agents. Recently, the development of vaccine delivery systems prepared from biodegradable and biocompatible water-soluble synthetic polymers, microspheres, liposomes and/or nanoparticles has received considerable attention, as they can be tailored to meet the specific physical, chemical, and immunogenic requirements of a particular antigen and some of them can also act as adjuvants.
Institute of Microbiology, ASCR, Vídenská 1083, 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic. rihova@biomed.cas.cz
Blanka
B
Ríhová
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D004337:Drug Carriers; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology; D008689:Methacrylates; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D011108:Polymers / Q000494:pharmacology; D012995:Solubility; D014612:Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004337:Drug Carriers; C505661:FASLG protein, human; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D008689:Methacrylates; D011108:Polymers; D014612:Vaccines; D004317:Doxorubicin; C032802:hydroxypropyl methacrylate