Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in the immune response as antigen-presenting cells and therefore have become an important target for vaccine development. We report a novel MRI-active nanoparticle for selective in vivo targeting of DCs. Attachment of multiple copies of the Lewis X oligosaccharide, a ligand specific for DC-SIGN and related lectins present at the surface of DCs, allowed particles to be specifically uptaken by DCs. Long-term retention of these nanoparticles (over 4 days) in rat lymph nodes has been observed by MRI after their direct in vivo injection. Post mortem immunohistochemistry reveals that specific markers for rat DCs co-localize with the particles indicating that the retention is mediated by DCs. The potential of the particles to activate the immune system will also be highlighted with the measurement of specific markers expressed and secreted by activated DCs.

Wearing a pathogen's mask: Specific targeting of dendritic cells with MRI responsive nanoparticles

245th National Meeting (2013)

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