Loading dendritic cells with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) bearing HIV-peptides and mannosides enhance HIV-specific T cell responses

Schematic representation of ex vivo assays performed with formulations based on HLA-A*0201-restricted HIV-peptides and Mannosides co-conjugated to GNPs (P1@HM). P1@HM interaction, process and antigen presentation by DC derived from blood monocytes of HIV+ individuals, promotes T-cell proliferation of autologous lymphocytes obtained from the same HLA-A*0201 HIV-1+ individuals. P1@HM treatment consistently enhances highly functional pro-TH1 cytokines, pro-TH1 chemokines, pro-inflammatory cytokine and several pro-TH2 cytokines as important immune factors that could potentiate a high adjuvant effect in an HIV vaccine context.260