Exploiting nanoparticles as vaccines

Summary We will investigate how different nanoparticle formulations can be used to elicit immunity to infection and tumours.

Project Details

Nanoparticles have exciting potential to serve as modular therapeutic delivery systems that can target any cell type and carry any therapeutic peptide cargo. One emerging application for nanoparticles is their use as next generation vaccines. While there have been significant successes in vaccine research, there are still many remaining challenges including developing vaccines against chronic infections such as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, together with exploiting the potential of vaccination to eliminate cancer.

To develop vaccines against chronic disease, nanoparticles are needed that can target the cells responsible for initiating immunity, dendritic cells, and release immunogenic peptides (antigen). Here, we will examine the potential of nanoparticles as carriers that enable effective vaccination. We will investigate how different nanoparticle formulations can be used to elicit immunity to infection and tumours. We will investigate caveospheres, biological nanoparticles consisting of vessicles derived from cell membranes, in addition to synthetic nanoparticles that can be designed with properties that enable manipulation of the endocytic pathway. Nanoparticles will be tested in immune assays including as vaccines against lymphoma and influenza virus infection.