Antigen-loaded nanocarriers enhance the migration of stimulated Langerhans cells to draining lymph nodes and induce effective transcutaneous immunization

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) as a vehicle for transcutaneous antigen delivery in anti-tumor therapy. Ovalbumin (OVA) or gp100 (melanocyte-associated antigen gp100 protein)-loaded CS-sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP)-grafted NPs were prepared by crosslinking low-molecular-weight CS with TPP. Compared with the FITC-OVA solution, the encapsulated fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-OVA-loaded NPs expressed much stronger cellular uptake ability in vitro and higher ability to migrate to lymph nodes in vivo. After transcutaneous administration, OVA-loaded NPs, with imiquimod as an adjuvant, increased the anti-OVA immunoglobulin G titer to levels similar to those induced by the OVA solution. The gp100-loaded NPs promoted the survival of tumor-bearing mice. These results provided evidence of CS-NPs as promising carriers for transcutaneous vaccine delivery, partly contributing to the increased uptake of NPs by skin antigen-presenting cells as well as their enhanced migration to the surrounding lymph nodes.From the Clinical EditorIn this study the efficacy of chitosan nanoparticle based vehicles for transcutaneous antigen delivery is investigated in anti-tumor therapy. Authors demonstrate that such nanoparticles may be efficient carriers partly due to their increased uptake by antigen-presenting cells in the skin and their enhanced migration to surrounding lymph nodes.

Graphical AbstractIn this study, we prepared CS-NPs that can efficiently deliver OVA to LCs and monitored the migration of LCs into the lymph nodes simultaneously. The antigen uptake and presentation capability of LCs were found to be enhanced with the CS-NPs as a carrier. The gp100-loaded CS-NPs were found to provide protective immunity in vivo. The results of the present study prove the potential of CS-NPs as a carrier for transcutaneous antigen delivery in TCI.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (207 K)Download as PowerPoint slide