Polyethylenimine-Enhanced Alumina Nanoscale Adjuvant for Cancer Vaccine

摘要

Aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) have been shown to increase the efficiency of cell-mediated immune response. Specifically, CD8 and CD4 immune response is required for T cell activation by dendritic cells. These nanoparticles, when functionalized with peptides and other molecules, can be used as vaccine in cancer treatment. In this study, Al2O3 NPs were attached to E6/E7 proteins. HPV-induced cervical cancer expresses E6/E7 antigens. E6/E7 proteins were attached using surface modification of the Al2O3 NPs; different types of molecules were tested to see which adhered the highest amount of protein and produced the strongest cell response. Protein measurements were done using bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA assay) and spectrophotometry. CD8 and CD4 immune response was measured in vivo using flow cytometry. In vitro measurements of immune response were done using B3Z T cells. When coated on the nanoparticles and conjugated with E6E7 protein, the polymer polyethylenimine (PEI) proved to be most effective at strengthening the immune response in vaccinated mice. The NPs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Our findings in this study demonstrate the growing importance of applied physics in the fields of medicine and biology. Fabrication and characterization of nano-materials are important for improving vaccine delivery and ensuring effectiveness.