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Review
. 2017 Aug 8;17(10):84.
doi: 10.1007/s11892-017-0914-z.

Tolerogenic Nanoparticles to Treat Islet Autoimmunity

Tobias Neef  1 , Stephen D Miller  2
Affiliations
Review

Tolerogenic Nanoparticles to Treat Islet Autoimmunity

Tobias Neef et al. Curr Diab Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: The current standard therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D) is insulin replacement. Autoimmune diseases are typically treated with broad immunosuppression, but this has multiple disadvantages. Induction of antigen-specific tolerance is preferable. The application of nanomedicine to the problem of T1D can take different forms, but one promising way is the development of tolerogenic nanoparticles, the aim of which is to mitigate the islet-destroying autoimmunity. We review the topic and highlight recent strategies to produce tolerogenic nanoparticles for the purpose of treating T1D.

Recent findings: Several groups are making progress in applying tolerogenic nanoparticles to rodent models of T1D, while others are using nanotechnology to aid other potential T1D treatments such as islet transplant and islet encapsulation. The strategies behind how nanoparticles achieve tolerance are varied. It is likely the future will see even greater diversity in tolerance induction strategies as well as a greater focus on how to translate this technology from preclinical use in mice to treatment of T1D in humans.

Keywords: Diabetogenic antigens; PLG nanoparticles; Regulatory T cells; Tolerance; Type 1 diabetes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Tobias Neef declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Effect of nanoparticle size on biodistribution following systemic administration. MPS mononuclear phagocyte system, RES reticuloendothelial system
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Proposed mechanisms of tolerance induction of selected tolerogenic nanoparticle treatments. a Nanoparticles targeting APCs. Top: MARCO receptor dependent uptake of antigen-coupled and antigen-encapsulating PLG [98•, 116••, 117••, 118••, 119•, 120••, 121•, 122]. Middle: PLG encapsulating both antigen and rapamycin [109, 110]. Bottom: gold nanoparticles decorated with both antigen and AhR ligand [111, 112••]. b Iron oxide nanoparticles coated with peptide-MHC that interact directly with T cells to expand autoregulatory cell populations [104, 105••, 106]. APC antigen presenting cell, PLG poly(lactide-co-glycolide), AhR aryl hydrocarbon receptor, MHC major histocompatibility complex
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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