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Yonet-Tanyeri N, Amer M, Balmert SC, Korkmaz E, Falo LD, Little SR. Microfluidic Systems For Manufacturing of Microparticle-Based Drug-Delivery Systems: Design, Construction, and Operation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:2864-2877. [PMID: 35674145 PMCID: PMC10368402 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Particles synthesized from biodegradable polymers hold great potential as controlled drug delivery systems. Continuous flow platforms based on microfluidics offer attractive advantages over conventional batch-emulsification techniques for the scalable fabrication of drug-loaded particles with controlled physicochemical properties. However, widespread utilization of microfluidic technologies for the manufacturing of drug-loaded particles has been hindered largely by the lack of practical guidelines toward cost-effective development and reliable operation of microfluidic systems. Here, we present a framework for rational design and construction of microfluidic systems using commercially available components for high-throughput production of uniform biodegradable particles encapsulating drugs. We also demonstrate successful implementation of this framework to devise a robust microfluidic system that is capable of producing drug-carrying particles with desired characteristics. The guidelines provided in this study will likely help broaden the applicability of microfluidic technologies for the synthesis of high-quality, drug-loaded biodegradable particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihan Yonet-Tanyeri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O'Hara Street, 940 Benedum Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Maher Amer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Stephen C Balmert
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Emrullah Korkmaz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Louis D Falo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States.,Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.,The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, United States
| | - Steven R Little
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O'Hara Street, 940 Benedum Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States.,The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, United States.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
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Balmert SC, Ghozloujeh ZG, Carey CD, Akilov OE, Korkmaz E, Falo LD. Research Techniques Made Simple: Skin-Targeted Drug and Vaccine Delivery Using Dissolvable Microneedle Arrays. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:2549-2557.e1. [PMID: 34688405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.07.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Skin-targeted drug delivery is broadly employed for both local and systemic therapeutics and is an important tool for discovery efforts in cutaneous biology. Recently, emerging technologies support efforts toward skin-targeted biocargo delivery for local and systemic therapeutic benefit. Effective targeting of bioactive molecules, including large (molecular weight > 500 Da) or complex (hydrophilic and charged) molecules, to defined cutaneous microenvironments is intrinsically challenging owing to the protective barrier function of the skin. Dissolvable microneedle arrays (MNAs) have proven to be a promising technology to address the unmet need for controlled, minimally invasive, and reliable delivery of a wide range of biocargos to the skin. In this paper, we describe the unique properties of the skin that make it an attractive target for vaccine delivery, for immune-modulating therapies, and for systemic drug delivery and the structural characteristics of the skin that present obstacles to efficient intracutaneous and transdermal delivery of bioactive molecules. We provide an overview of MNA fabrication and the characteristics and mechanisms of dissolvable MNA cargo delivery to the cutaneous microenvironment. We present a representative example of a clinical application of MNAs and discuss future directions for MNA development and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Balmert
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Cara Donahue Carey
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Oleg E Akilov
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emrullah Korkmaz
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Louis D Falo
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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3
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Kim E, Weisel FJ, Balmert SC, Khan MS, Huang S, Erdos G, Kenniston TW, Carey CD, Joachim SM, Conter LJ, Weisel NM, Okba NMA, Haagmans BL, Percivalle E, Cassaniti I, Baldanti F, Korkmaz E, Shlomchik MJ, Falo LD, Gambotto A. A single subcutaneous or intranasal immunization with adenovirus-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine induces robust humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:1774-1784. [PMID: 33772778 PMCID: PMC8250272 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Optimal vaccines are needed for sustained suppression of SARS-CoV-2 and other novel coronaviruses. Here, we developed a recombinant type 5 adenovirus vector encoding the gene for the SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit antigen (Ad5.SARS-CoV-2-S1) for COVID-19 immunization and evaluated its immunogenicity in mice. A single immunization with Ad5.SARS-CoV-2-S1 via S.C. injection or I.N delivery induced robust antibody and cellular immune responses. Vaccination elicited significant S1-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a endpoint titers as early as 2 weeks, and the induced antibodies were long lasting. I.N. and S.C. administration of Ad5.SARS-CoV-2-S1 produced S1-specific GC B cells in cervical and axillary LNs, respectively. Moreover, I.N. and S.C. immunization evoked significantly greater antigen-specific T-cell responses compared to unimmunized control groups with indications that S.C. injection was more effective than I.N. delivery in eliciting cellular immune responses. Mice vaccinated by either route demonstrated significantly increased virus-specific neutralization antibodies on weeks 8 and 12 compared to control groups, as well as BM antibody forming cells (AFC), indicative of long-term immunity. Thus, this Ad5-vectored SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate showed promising immunogenicity following delivery to mice by S.C. and I.N. routes of administration, supporting the further development of Ad-based vaccines against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases for sustainable global immunization programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Kim
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Florian J. Weisel
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Stephen C. Balmert
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Muhammad S. Khan
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of Infectious Diseases and MicrobiologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public HealthPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Shaohua Huang
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Geza Erdos
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Thomas W. Kenniston
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Cara Donahue Carey
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Stephen M. Joachim
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Laura J. Conter
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Nadine M. Weisel
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Nisreen M. A. Okba
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Bart L. Haagmans
- Department of ViroscienceErasmus Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Elena Percivalle
- Molecular Virology UnitMicrobiology and Virology DepartmentIRCCS Policlinico San MatteoPaviaItaly
| | - Irene Cassaniti
- Molecular Virology UnitMicrobiology and Virology DepartmentIRCCS Policlinico San MatteoPaviaItaly
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Molecular Virology UnitMicrobiology and Virology DepartmentIRCCS Policlinico San MatteoPaviaItaly
- Department of ClinicalSurgicalDiagnostic and Pediatric SciencesUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Emrullah Korkmaz
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Pittsburgh Swanson School of EngineeringPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Mark J. Shlomchik
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Louis D. Falo
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Pittsburgh Swanson School of EngineeringPittsburghPAUSA
- Clinical and Translational Science InstituteUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- The McGowan Institute for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Andrea Gambotto
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of Infectious Diseases and MicrobiologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public HealthPittsburghPAUSA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPAUSA
- Department of MedicineDivision of Infectious DiseaseUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
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Korkmaz E, Balmert SC, Carey CD, Erdos G, Falo LD. Emerging skin-targeted drug delivery strategies to engineer immunity: A focus on infectious diseases. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2021; 18:151-167. [PMID: 32924651 PMCID: PMC9355143 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1823964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infectious pathogens are global disrupters. Progress in biomedical science and technology has expanded the public health arsenal against infectious diseases. Specifically, vaccination has reduced the burden of infectious pathogens. Engineering systemic immunity by harnessing the cutaneous immune network has been particularly attractive since the skin is an easily accessible immune-responsive organ. Recent advances in skin-targeted drug delivery strategies have enabled safe, patient-friendly, and controlled deployment of vaccines to cutaneous microenvironments for inducing long-lived pathogen-specific immunity to mitigate infectious diseases, including COVID-19. AREAS COVERED This review briefly discusses the basics of cutaneous immunomodulation and provides a concise overview of emerging skin-targeted drug delivery systems that enable safe, minimally invasive, and effective intracutaneous administration of vaccines for engineering systemic immune responses to combat infectious diseases. EXPERT OPINION In-situ engineering of the cutaneous microenvironment using emerging skin-targeted vaccine delivery systems offers remarkable potential to develop diverse immunization strategies against pathogens. Mechanistic studies with standard correlates of vaccine efficacy will be important to compare innovative intracutaneous drug delivery strategies to each other and to existing clinical approaches. Cost-benefit analyses will be necessary for developing effective commercialization strategies. Significant involvement of industry and/or government will be imperative for successfully bringing novel skin-targeted vaccine delivery methods to market for their widespread use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emrullah Korkmaz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephen C. Balmert
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Cara Donahue Carey
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Geza Erdos
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Louis D. Falo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Erdos G, Balmert SC, Carey CD, Falo GD, Patel NA, Zhang J, Gambotto A, Korkmaz E, Falo LD. Improved Cutaneous Genetic Immunization by Microneedle Array Delivery of an Adjuvanted Adenovirus Vaccine. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 140:2528-2531.e2. [PMID: 32330464 PMCID: PMC7172852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.03.966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Geza Erdos
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephen C Balmert
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cara Donahue Carey
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gabriel D Falo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nikita A Patel
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jiying Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrea Gambotto
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emrullah Korkmaz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Louis D Falo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Kim E, Erdos G, Huang S, Kenniston TW, Balmert SC, Carey CD, Raj VS, Epperly MW, Klimstra WB, Haagmans BL, Korkmaz E, Falo LD, Gambotto A. Microneedle array delivered recombinant coronavirus vaccines: Immunogenicity and rapid translational development. EBioMedicine 2020; 55:102743. [PMID: 32249203 PMCID: PMC7128973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronaviruses pose a serious threat to global health as evidenced by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and COVID-19. SARS Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and the novel coronavirus, previously dubbed 2019-nCoV, and now officially named SARS-CoV-2, are the causative agents of the SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 disease outbreaks, respectively. Safe vaccines that rapidly induce potent and long-lasting virus-specific immune responses against these infectious agents are urgently needed. The coronavirus spike (S) protein, a characteristic structural component of the viral envelope, is considered a key target for vaccines for the prevention of coronavirus infection. METHODS We first generated codon optimized MERS-S1 subunit vaccines fused with a foldon trimerization domain to mimic the native viral structure. In variant constructs, we engineered immune stimulants (RS09 or flagellin, as TLR4 or TLR5 agonists, respectively) into this trimeric design. We comprehensively tested the pre-clinical immunogenicity of MERS-CoV vaccines in mice when delivered subcutaneously by traditional needle injection, or intracutaneously by dissolving microneedle arrays (MNAs) by evaluating virus specific IgG antibodies in the serum of vaccinated mice by ELISA and using virus neutralization assays. Driven by the urgent need for COVID-19 vaccines, we utilized this strategy to rapidly develop MNA SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccines and tested their pre-clinical immunogenicity in vivo by exploiting our substantial experience with MNA MERS-CoV vaccines. FINDINGS Here we describe the development of MNA delivered MERS-CoV vaccines and their pre-clinical immunogenicity. Specifically, MNA delivered MERS-S1 subunit vaccines elicited strong and long-lasting antigen-specific antibody responses. Building on our ongoing efforts to develop MERS-CoV vaccines, promising immunogenicity of MNA-delivered MERS-CoV vaccines, and our experience with MNA fabrication and delivery, including clinical trials, we rapidly designed and produced clinically-translatable MNA SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccines within 4 weeks of the identification of the SARS-CoV-2 S1 sequence. Most importantly, these MNA delivered SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit vaccines elicited potent antigen-specific antibody responses that were evident beginning 2 weeks after immunization. INTERPRETATION MNA delivery of coronaviruses-S1 subunit vaccines is a promising immunization strategy against coronavirus infection. Progressive scientific and technological efforts enable quicker responses to emerging pandemics. Our ongoing efforts to develop MNA-MERS-S1 subunit vaccines enabled us to rapidly design and produce MNA SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccines capable of inducing potent virus-specific antibody responses. Collectively, our results support the clinical development of MNA delivered recombinant protein subunit vaccines against SARS, MERS, COVID-19, and other emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, W1148 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop St., Pennsylvania, PA 15213, USA
| | - Geza Erdos
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Shaohua Huang
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, W1148 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop St., Pennsylvania, PA 15213, USA
| | - Thomas W Kenniston
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, W1148 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop St., Pennsylvania, PA 15213, USA
| | - Stephen C Balmert
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Cara Donahue Carey
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - V Stalin Raj
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael W Epperly
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - William B Klimstra
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Bart L Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Emrullah Korkmaz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15231, USA
| | - Louis D Falo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, W1150 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15231, USA; Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
| | - Andrea Gambotto
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, W1148 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop St., Pennsylvania, PA 15213, USA.
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Fisher JD, Zhang W, Balmert SC, Aral AM, Acharya AP, Kulahci Y, Li J, Turnquist HR, Thomson AW, Solari MG, Gorantla VS, Little SR. In situ recruitment of regulatory T cells promotes donor-specific tolerance in vascularized composite allotransplantation. Sci Adv 2020; 6:eaax8429. [PMID: 32201714 PMCID: PMC7069700 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax8429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) encompasses face and limb transplantation, but as with organ transplantation, it requires lifelong regimens of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection. To achieve donor-specific immune tolerance and reduce the need for systemic immunosuppression, we developed a synthetic drug delivery system that mimics a strategy our bodies naturally use to recruit regulatory T cells (Treg) to suppress inflammation. Specifically, a microparticle-based system engineered to release the Treg-recruiting chemokine CCL22 was used in a rodent hindlimb VCA model. These "Recruitment-MP" prolonged hindlimb allograft survival indefinitely (>200 days) and promoted donor-specific tolerance. Recruitment-MP treatment enriched Treg populations in allograft skin and draining lymph nodes and enhanced Treg function without affecting the proliferative capacity of conventional T cells. With implications for clinical translation, synthetic human CCL22 induced preferential migration of human Treg in vitro. Collectively, these results suggest that Recruitment-MP promote donor-specific immune tolerance via local enrichment of suppressive Treg.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D. Fisher
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Wensheng Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephen C. Balmert
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ali M. Aral
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Abhinav P. Acharya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yalcin Kulahci
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Heth R. Turnquist
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Angus W. Thomson
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mario G. Solari
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vijay S. Gorantla
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Corresponding author. (S.R.L.); (V.S.G.)
| | - Steven R. Little
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Corresponding author. (S.R.L.); (V.S.G.)
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8
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Balmert SC, Carey CD, Falo GD, Sethi SK, Erdos G, Korkmaz E, Falo LD. Dissolving undercut microneedle arrays for multicomponent cutaneous vaccination. J Control Release 2019; 317:336-346. [PMID: 31756393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The skin is an attractive tissue target for vaccination, as it is readily accessible and contains a dense population of antigen-presenting and immune-accessory cells. Microneedle arrays (MNAs) are emerging as an effective tool for in situ engineering of the cutaneous microenvironment to enable diverse immunization strategies. Here, we present novel dissolving undercut MNAs and demonstrate their application for effective multicomponent cutaneous vaccination. The MNAs are composed of micron-scale needles featuring pyramidal heads supported by undercut stem regions with filleted bases to ensure successful skin penetration and retention during application. Prior efforts to fabricate dissolving undercut microstructures were limited and required complex and lengthy processing and assembly steps. In the current study, we strategically combine three-dimensional (3D) laser lithography, an emerging micro-additive manufacturing method with unique geometric capabilities and nanoscale resolution, and micromolding with favorable materials. This approach enables reproducible production of dissolving MNAs with undercut microneedles that can be tip-loaded with multiple biocargos, such as antigen (ovalbumin) and adjuvant (Poly(I:C)). The resulting MNAs fulfill the geometric (sharp tips and smooth edges) and mechanical-strength requirements for failure-free penetration of human and murine skin to simultaneously deliver multicomponent (antigen plus adjuvant) vaccines to the same cutaneous microenvironment. Cutaneous vaccination of mice using these MNAs induces more potent antigen-specific cellular and humoral immune responses than those elicited by traditional intramuscular injection. Together, the unique geometric features of these undercut MNAs and the associated manufacturing strategy, which is compatible with diverse drugs and biologics, could enable a broad range of non-cutaneous and cutaneous drug delivery applications, including multicomponent vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Balmert
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Cara Donahue Carey
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Gabriel D Falo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Shiv K Sethi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Geza Erdos
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Emrullah Korkmaz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Louis D Falo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States; Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States.
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9
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Abstract
In the skin, complex cellular networks maintain barrier function and immune homeostasis. Tightly regulated multicellular cascades are required to initiate innate and adaptive immune responses. Innate immune cells, particularly DCs and mast cells, are central to these networks. Early studies evaluated the function of these cells in isolation, but recent studies clearly demonstrate that cutaneous DCs (dermal DCs and Langerhans cells) physically interact with neighboring cells and are receptive to activation signals from surrounding cells, such as mast cells. These interactions amplify immune activation. In this review, we discuss the known functions of cutaneous DC populations and mast cells and recent studies highlighting their roles within cellular networks that determine cutaneous immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel H Kaplan
- Department of Dermatology and.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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10
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Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED), also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is an ocular surface disease characterized by T-cell-mediated inflammation. Current therapeutics, such as immunosuppressive agents, act to suppress the clinical signs and inflammation. However, long-term usage of these treatments can cause severe side effects. In this study, we present an alternative therapeutic approach that utilizes a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) to regulate transcription of a variety of immunomodulatory genes. Specifically, HDACi have emerged as a potential anti-inflammatory agent, which can modulate the functions of a subset of suppressive T lymphocytes known as regulatory T cells (Tregs), enhancing FoxP3 acetylation and subsequently guarding the transcription factor from proteasomal degradation. Here, a specific HDACi known as SAHA (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid) was formulated to controllably release in the lacrimal gland. Intralacrimal gland injection of PLGA-based SAHA microspheres prevented clinical signs of DED in mice with Concanavalin A-induced DED, reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased expression of FoxP3 in the lacrimal glands. Murine T cell culture experiments also revealed that SAHA decreased effector T cell proliferation and enhanced suppressive function of Tregs in co-cultures of Tregs and effector T cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE In this study, we demonstrate a therapeutic approach that utilizes a histone deactylase inhibitor (HDACi) to regulate transcription of a variety of immunomodulatory genes. HDACi have emerged as a potential anti-inflammatory agent, which can modulate the functions of a subset of suppressive T lymphocytes known as regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here, HDACi microspheres composed of a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)), were able to locally release the HDACi and prevent clinical signs of DED. This work is timely given the recent shift in treatments of DED towards immunological based therapies to reduce ocular inflammation. However, notably, many of these treatments require large amounts of drug, and non-specifically suppress the immune system, leading to several systemic side effects. Instead of merely suppressing or blocking inflammation, the formulation described herein intends to balance the microenvironment promoting immunological homeostasis. This particular drug delivery system may also have broad implications in the field of inflammatory mediated ocular disorders such as uveitis, Sjögren's syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Ratay
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Stephen C Balmert
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Ethan J Bassin
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Steven R Little
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, United States; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
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11
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Ratay ML, Balmert SC, Acharya AP, Greene AC, Meyyappan T, Little SR. TRI Microspheres prevent key signs of dry eye disease in a murine, inflammatory model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17527. [PMID: 29235530 PMCID: PMC5727478 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17869-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a highly prevalent, ocular disorder characterized by an abnormal tear film and ocular surface. Recent experimental data has suggested that the underlying pathology of DED involves inflammation of the lacrimal functional unit (LFU), comprising the cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland and interconnecting innervation. This inflammation of the LFU ultimately results in tissue deterioration and the symptoms of DED. Moreover, an increase of pathogenic lymphocyte infiltration and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in the propagation of DED-associated inflammation. Studies have demonstrated that the adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (Tregs) can mediate the inflammation caused by pathogenic lymphocytes. Thus, as an approach to treating the inflammation associated with DED, we hypothesized that it was possible to enrich the body's own endogenous Tregs by locally delivering a specific combination of Treg inducing factors through degradable polymer microspheres (TRI microspheres; TGF-β1, Rapamycin (Rapa), and IL-2). This local controlled release system is capable of shifting the balance of Treg/T effectors and, in turn, preventing key signs of dry eye disease such as aqueous tear secretion, conjunctival goblet cells, epithelial corneal integrity, and reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu in the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Ratay
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Stephen C Balmert
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Abhinav P Acharya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15216, USA
| | - Ashlee C Greene
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15216, USA
| | - Thiagarajan Meyyappan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15216, USA
| | - Steven R Little
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15216, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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12
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Balmert SC, Donahue C, Vu JR, Erdos G, Falo LD, Little SR. In vivo induction of regulatory T cells promotes allergen tolerance and suppresses allergic contact dermatitis. J Control Release 2017; 261:223-233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Ratay ML, Glowacki AJ, Balmert SC, Acharya AP, Polat J, Andrews LP, Fedorchak MV, Schuman JS, Vignali DAA, Little SR. Treg-recruiting microspheres prevent inflammation in a murine model of dry eye disease. J Control Release 2017; 258:208-217. [PMID: 28501670 PMCID: PMC7805562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular disorder affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The pathology of DED involves the infiltration of CD4+ lymphocytes, leading to tear film instability and destructive inflammation. In the healthy steady state, a population of immunosuppressive T-cells called regulatory T-cells (Treg) regulates proliferation of immune cells that would otherwise lead to a disruption of immunological homeostasis. For this reason, it has been suggested that Tregs could restore the immunological imbalance in DED. To this end, one possible approach would be to recruit the body's own, endogenous Tregs in order to enrich them at the site of inflammation and tissue destruction. Previously, we have demonstrated a reduction of inflammation and disease symptoms in models of periodontitis corresponding to recruitment of endogenous Tregs, which was accomplished by local placement of controlled release systems that sustain a gradient of the chemokine CCL22, referred to here as Treg-recruiting microspheres. Given that DED is characterized by a pro-inflammatory environment resulting in local tissue destruction, we hypothesized that the controlled release of CCL22 could also recruit Tregs to the ocular surface potentially mediating inflammation and symptoms of DED. Indeed, data suggest that Treg-recruiting microspheres are capable of overcoming the immunological imbalance of Tregs and CD4+ IFN-γ+ cells in the lacrimal gland. Administration of Treg-recruiting microspheres effectively mitigated the symptoms of DED as measured through a number of outcomes such as tear clearance, goblet cells density and corneal epithelial integrity, suggesting that recruitment of endogenous Treg can mitigate inflammation associated with DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Ratay
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, United States
| | - Andrew J Glowacki
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, United States
| | - Stephen C Balmert
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, United States
| | - Abhinav P Acharya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, United States
| | - Julia Polat
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Lawrence P Andrews
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Morgan V Fedorchak
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Joel S Schuman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States; Department of Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
| | - Steven R Little
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States.
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14
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Balmert SC, Zmolek AC, Glowacki AJ, Knab TD, Rothstein SN, Wokpetah JM, Fedorchak MV, Little SR. Positive Charge of "Sticky" Peptides and Proteins Impedes Release From Negatively Charged PLGA Matrices. J Mater Chem B 2015; 3:4723-4734. [PMID: 26085928 PMCID: PMC4465798 DOI: 10.1039/c5tb00515a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The influence of electrostatic interactions and/or acylation on release of charged ("sticky") agents from biodegradable polymer matrices was systematically characterized. We hypothesized that release of peptides with positive charge would be hindered from negatively charged poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles. Thus, we investigated release of peptides with different degrees of positive charge from several PLGA microparticle formulations, with different molecular weights and/or end groups (acid- or ester-terminated). Indeed, release studies revealed distinct inverse correlations between the amount of positive charge on peptides and their release rates from each PLGA microparticle formulation. Furthermore, we examined the case of peptides with net charge that changes from negative to positive within the pH range observed in degrading microparticles. These charge changing peptides displayed counterintuitive release kinetics, initially releasing faster from slower degrading (less acidic) microparticles, and releasing slower from the faster degrading (more acidic) microparticles. Importantly, trends between agent charge and release rates for model peptides also translated to larger, therapeutically relevant proteins and oligonucleotides. The results of these studies may improve future design of controlled release systems for numerous therapeutic biomolecules exhibiting positive charge, ultimately reducing time-consuming and costly trial and error iterations of such formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C. Balmert
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrew C. Zmolek
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrew J. Glowacki
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Timothy D. Knab
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sam N. Rothstein
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Morgan V. Fedorchak
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven R. Little
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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15
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Abstract
The nascent field of biomimetic delivery with micro- and nanoparticles (MNP) has advanced considerably in recent years. Drawing inspiration from the ways that cells communicate in the body, several different modes of "delivery" (i.e., temporospatial presentation of biological signals) have been investigated in a number of therapeutic contexts. In particular, this review focuses on (1) controlled release formulations that deliver natural soluble factors with physiologically relevant temporal context, (2) presentation of surface-bound ligands to cells, with spatial organization of ligands ranging from isotropic to dynamically anisotropic, and (3) physical properties of particles, including size, shape and mechanical stiffness, which mimic those of natural cells. Importantly, the context provided by multimodal, or multifactor delivery represents a key element of most biomimetic MNP systems, a concept illustrated by an analogy to human interpersonal communication. Regulatory implications of increasingly sophisticated and "cell-like" biomimetic MNP systems are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Balmert
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
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16
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Jhunjhunwala S, Balmert SC, Raimondi G, Dons E, Nichols EE, Thomson AW, Little SR. Controlled release formulations of IL-2, TGF-β1 and rapamycin for the induction of regulatory T cells. J Control Release 2012; 159:78-84. [PMID: 22285546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2011] [Revised: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The absence of regulatory T cells (Treg) is a hallmark for a wide variety of disorders such as autoimmunity, dermatitis, periodontitis and even transplant rejection. A potential treatment option for these disorders is to increase local Treg numbers. Enhancing local numbers of Treg through in situ Treg expansion or induction could be a potential treatment option for these disorders. Current methods for in vivo Treg expansion rely on biologic therapies, which are not Treg-specific and are associated with many adverse side-effects. Synthetic formulations capable of inducing Treg could be an alternative strategy to achieve in situ increase in Treg numbers. Here we report the development and in vitro testing of a Treg-inducing synthetic formulation that consists of controlled release vehicles for IL-2, TGF-β and rapamycin (a combination of cytokines and drugs that have previously been reported to induce Treg). We demonstrate that IL-2, TGF-β and rapamycin (rapa) are released over 3-4weeks from these formulations. Additionally, Treg induced in the presence of these formulations expressed the canonical markers for Treg (phenotype) and suppressed naïve T cell proliferation (function) at levels similar to soluble factor induced Treg as well as naturally occurring Treg. Most importantly, we show that these release formulations are capable of inducing FoxP3(+) Treg in human cells in vitro. In conclusion, our data suggest that controlled release formulations of IL-2, TGF-β and rapa can induce functional Treg in vitro with the potential to be developed into an in vivo Treg induction and expansion therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Jhunjhunwala
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
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