Design Molecular Vaccines for Type 1 Diabetes

Wayne State University, Detroit MI

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Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Here we seek to understand the structure-based design rules that govern the lymph node targeting at the molecular level to design vaccines against autoimmune diseases. Vaccine approaches to restore antigen- specific immune tolerance to pancreatic beta-cell antigens without global immune suppression are potential therapeutic interventions for Type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, a method for realizing both efficacy and safety is yet to be developed. A major challenge in the development of effective vaccines is efficient delivery of vaccine components to antigen presenting cells (APCs) in lymphoid organs, where the orchestrations of immune cells are initiated. We propose to translate a novel albumin-hitchhiking approach to target lymph node to molecular T1D vaccines, via the synthesis of amphiphiles that comprised of an antigen and immunosuppressant linked to lipophilic albumin-binding tail by a solubility-promoting polar polymer chain. Structurally optimized molecular vaccines will be engineered with a lipophilic albumin-binding tail and follow subcutaneous injection, can accumulate in LN via in situ complexation and transport with endogenous albumin. Albumin-hitchhiking approach can simultaneously enhance the efficacy and safety of molecular vaccines via localized vaccine delivery and modulate the antigen presenting cells within lymph node microenvironments, and can be readily translate to clinic.