Poster Presented By: David Scott Wilson
Synthetic Glycopolymers for Targeting Protein Antigens to Liver-Resident Immune Cells
Therapeutic strategies that induce antigen-specific immune tolerance have the potential to
treat autoimmune dieses, potentiate protein replacement therapies, and eliminate organ
transplant rejection. For example, after repeated administration, patients often develop
antibodies against protein-based therapeutics, thus greatly reducing the efficacy of the
treatment and endangering the life of the patient. Recent evidence indicates that, due to
the pro-tolerogenic environment of the liver, targeting antigens to liver-resident antigen
presenting cells (APCs) results in these antigens being present in a way that initiates
antigen-specific immune tolerance. Here we present a synthetic glycopolymeric delivery
vehicle capable of targeting antigens to hepatic APCs via the galactosamine receptor.
Our delivery vehicle, termed poly(Gal) is composed of a linear polymer decorated with
pendant N-acetal galactosamine groups and a single amine reactive handle. When
conjugated to protein-based antigens and delivered via i.v. injection, poly(galactosamine)
targets antigens to liver-resident APCs. Given the great need to develop strategies to
induce antigen-specific immune tolerance, we anticipate numerous applications for
poly(Gal) in the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases.