Particle surface properties direct cellular immune responses in the lung

Nano- and micro-particulate carriers enable the site-specific delivery for controlled biological responses and can harness the intrinsic pathways by which the body responds to natural invaders. These particles are in the size range which naturally associates with many innate immune cells, including antigen presenting cells (APCs). Through controlled design properties, engineered nano- and microparticle drug delivery vehicles have the potential to expand the breadth of many therapeutic approaches, impacting immunological outcomes through cell-specific targeted delivery. However, in many applications, such as mucosal vaccines or controlled-release lung depots, optimal particle properties have not yet been identified. Physical properties such as size, shape, and surface chemistry are known to impact cellular interactions, particle margination, and biodistribution; as such, many particle design considerations have been established for systemic intravenous (IV) administration to create long-circulating drug delivery vehicles [3]. However, much less is known about particle design parameters which are critical to interfacing with and directing the immune system, especially through non-IV administration. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract