Volume 63, Issue 24 e202402853
Research Article

Metal-Free Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization to Prepare Recylable Micro-Adjuvants for Dendritic Cell Vaccine

Hengyuan Zhang

Hengyuan Zhang

College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu, China

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Xingyu Heng

Xingyu Heng

College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu, China

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He Yang

He Yang

College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu, China

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Yu Rao

Yu Rao

College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu, China

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Lihua Yao

Lihua Yao

College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu, China

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Zhichen Zhu

Zhichen Zhu

College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu, China

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Prof. Dr. Gaojian Chen

Corresponding Author

Prof. Dr. Gaojian Chen

College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu, China

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Prof. Dr. Hong Chen

Corresponding Author

Prof. Dr. Hong Chen

College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu, China

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First published: 10 April 2024
Citations: 4

Graphical Abstract

This study introduces an innovative approach that combines high efficacy with safety through the synthesis of P(MAG-co-DMC) based micro-adjuvants. The utilization of metal-free surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization enables the production of safe and recyclable adjuvants. Additionally, the adjuvants exhibit a “micro-ligand-mediated maturation enhancement” effect for DC maturation.

Abstract

In the development of dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, the maturation of DCs is a critical stage. Adjuvants play a pivotal role in the maturation of DCs, with a major concern being to ensure both efficacy and safety. This study introduces an innovative approach that combines high efficacy with safety through the synthesis of micro-adjuvants grafted with copolymers of 2-(methacrylamido) glucopyranose (MAG) and methacryloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC). The utilization of metal-free surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization enables the production of safe and recyclable adjuvants. These micrometer-sized adjuvants surpass the optimal size range for cellular endocytosis, enabling the retrieval and reuse of them during the ex vivo maturation process, mitigating potential toxicity concerns associated with the endocytosis of non-metabolized nanoparticles. Additionally, the adjuvants exhibit a “micro-ligand-mediated maturation enhancement” effect for DC maturation. This effect is influenced by the shape of the particle, as evidenced by the distinct promotion effects of rod-like and spherical micro-adjuvants with comparable sizes. Furthermore, the porous structure of the adjuvants enables them to function as cargo-carrying “micro-shuttles”, releasing antigens upon binding to DCs to facilitate efficient antigen delivery.

Conflict of interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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