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Updated: Mar 25, 2026

Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Rationalizing the use of functionalized poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles for dendritic cell-based targeted
Rutika A Kokate1,2, Pankaj Chaudhary1,2, Xiangle Sun3
1Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC), 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
Background:
Delivery of PLGA (poly [D, L-lactide-co-glycolide])-based biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) to antigen presenting cells, particularly dendritic cells, has potential for cancer immunotherapy.
Materials & Methods:
Using a PLGA NP vaccine construct CpG-NP-Tag (CpG-ODN-coated tumor antigen [Tag] encapsulating NP) prepared using solvent evaporation technique we tested the efficacy of ex vivo and in vivo use of this construct as a feasible platform for immune-based therapy.
Results:
CpG-NP-Tag NPs were avidly endocytosed and localized in the endosomal compartment of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells exposed to CpG-NP-Tag NPs exhibited an increased maturation (higher CD80/86 expression) and activation status (enhanced IL-12 secretion levels). In vivo results demonstrated attenuation of tumor growth and angiogenesis as well as induction of potent cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses.
Conclusion:
Collectively, results validate dendritic cells stimulatory response to CpG-NP-Tag NPs (ex vivo) and CpG-NP-Tag NPs' tumor inhibitory potential (in vivo) for therapeutic applications, respectively.

