Antigen-delivering biomaterials for local enrichment and reprogramming of immune cells

Adaptive immune cells are highly specific for a given antigen and require precise interactions for antigen recognition and activation. Central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms typically ensure that autoreactive B and T cell clones do not mature and activate in response to autoantigens, but failure in these mechanisms contributes to the development of autoimmunity. A promising strategy for treating these types of diseases involves reprogramming disease-causing cells via delivery of disease-relevant antigens and other immunomodulatory agents from biomaterial platforms. Here, we present a survey of advancements in antigen-delivering microparticles, artificial antigen presenting cells, biomaterial scaffolds, and microneedles for enriching and reprogramming autoreactive immune cells in vivo.