Nanoregulators of immunity
A startup has learned how to control the immune response using nanoparticles
Georgy Golovanov, Hi-tech+
The platform, created by scientists from Selecta Bioscience, is already undergoing the second phase of clinical trials. It optimizes gene therapy and prevents side effects from taking medications by controlling the body's immune response.
Dozens of medicines approved by regulators warn of side effects affecting the immune system. Even more do not get on the shelves of pharmacies because of undesirable consequences that can harm patients and limit the effectiveness of medicines.
For example, most viruses enter the cells of the body and change their DNA. Along the way, they often cause an immune response, which can have unpredictable consequences and, in some cases, neutralize the potential benefits of treatment, writes MIT News.
The startup Selecta Bioscience solves this problem using the ImmTOR platform, which monitors the human immune response. In combination with medications, it can suppress an unnecessary response of the immune system and increase the effectiveness and safety of medications.
The scientists' approach is based on a discovery made by one of the founders of the startup, MIT professor David Langer at the end of the last century – a method of using biodegradable nanoparticles as a transport to control the circulation of drugs in the body. At first, the researchers wanted to create vaccines from nanoparticles that activate the immune system in response to certain antigens, but then they chose a more risky, but less well–trodden path - technology to stimulate immunological tolerance.
Scientists were able to optimize their technology so that the immunomodulator rapamycin, a substance that suppresses the activity of the immune system, could be placed in nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are injected into the body, accumulate in organs and deliver the immunomodulator to the right cells. Then the patient takes the medicine, which now does not cause an immune reaction.
The platform is undergoing clinical trials – the second phase is now underway – in combination with a drug against chronic gout, a painful inflammatory disease.
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