In recent years, nanotechnology has become an advanced approach to addressing major vaccinology concerns. Specifically, the size of nanomaterials (NMs) ranges from 1 to 100 nm which are similar to cellular components and microorganisms. They have proven to be innovative tools in biomedical applications such as diagnostics and drug delivery. Most NMs display high biocompatibility, customizable morphology, reliable functionalization, and prolonged circulation in the bloodstream. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages internalize NMs by endocytosis to release cytokines that stimulate the immune system. This process triggers the adaptive immune response by inducing the migration of DCs to the lymph nodes. In this process, they interact with T-cells and present non-self-peptides on MHC class I or II. This interaction leads to cytokine production and activates antigen-specific T-cells. Among lipids, self-assembled proteins, biopolymers, and inorganic materials, properly functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) represent the most promising nanomaterial in the innovative development of vaccines.
Fig.1 Schematic representation of innate and adaptive immune responses upon exposure to NM-based vaccines. (Ferrando, et al., 2020)
Due to their superb surface functionalization, customizable size and shape, optically unique properties, and high biocompatibility, AuNPs are being paid more and more attention. CD BioGlyco provides AuNPs as delivery agents and adjuvants for Carbohydrate-based Vaccine Development. This greatly enhances immune responses and ensures minimal toxicity.
Our team develops an innovative approach to developing carbohydrate-based vaccines by covalently functionalizing the surface of gold nanoparticles with sugar antigens and T-helper peptides. Specifically, we design AuNPs combined with a synthetic tetrasaccharide epitope related to the Streptococcus pneumoniae type 14 capsular polysaccharide (Pn14PS), the T-helper ovalbumin 323-339 peptide (OVA323-339), and d-glucose by using a one-pot method. Our team has identified AuNPs as versatile carriers including varying densities of synthetic branched tetrasaccharides (b-d-Galp-(1-4)-b-d-Glcp-(1-6)-[b-d-Galp-(1-4)-]b-d-GlcpNAc-(1-)), as well as the Pn14PS, OVA323–339 peptide, and glucose. We carefully select the nature and length of these spacers to maintain the optimal presentation of the tetrasaccharide on the cluster surface.
Fig.2 One-step synthesis of hybrid AuNPs. (CD BioGlyco)
CD BioGlyco is a distinguished company known for its excellent Glyco™ Vaccine Development Platform. We commit to solving any problems in the field of glycoscience by using cutting-edge technology. Our research team leads the industry in developing highly effective carriers for the preparation of carbohydrate-based vaccines against infectious diseases. If you find our services intriguing, please feel free to contact us for a more detailed discussion.
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