Novel delivery mechanisms for antigen-specific immunotherapy
Purpose of review
Current therapies for autoimmune disorders often employ broad suppression of the immune system. Antigen-specific immunotherapy (ASI) seeks to overcome the side-effects of immunosuppressive therapy by specifically targeting only disease-related autoreactive T and B cells. Although it has been in development for several decades, ASI still is not in use clinically to treat autoimmunity. Novel ways to deliver antigen may be effective in inducing ASI. Here we review recent innovations in antigen delivery
Recent findings
New ways to deliver antigen include particle and nonparticle approaches. One main focus has been the targeting of antigen-presenting cells in a tolerogenic context. This technique often results in the induction and/or expansion of regulatory T cells, which has the potential to be effective against a complex, polyclonal immune response.
Summary
Whether novel delivery approaches can help bring ASI into general clinical use for therapy of autoimmune diseases remains to be seen. However, preclinical work and early results from clinical trials using these new techniques show promising signs.
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - Category: Endocrinology Tags: DIABETES AND ENDOCRINE PANCREAS II: Edited by Peter Gottlieb Source Type: research
More News: Autoimmune Disease | Clinical Trials | Diabetes | Eating Disorders & Weight Management | Endocrinology | Immunotherapy | Obesity | Pancreas