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Screening Bioactive Nanoparticles in Phagocytic Immune Cells for Inhibitors of Toll-like Receptor Signaling
Published on: July 26, 2017
Nanodisc-Forming Polymers as TLR7/8 Agonist-Conjugated Immunotherapy Agents
Neil J Borthwick1, Ciara F Pugh2, Kristoffer H Johansen1
1Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark.
Biomacromolecules
|July 16, 2026
Summary
A novel amphiphilic polymer, AASTY-TLR7/8ag., acts as a cancer immunotherapy platform. It inhibits tumor growth, enhances immune memory, and shows synergy with anti-PD-1 therapy in preclinical models.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Immunology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Amphiphilic polymers are used to solubilize membrane proteins in native lipid nanodiscs.
- The application of these polymers as drug delivery platforms remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multimodal cancer immunotherapy platform using amphiphilic polymers.
- To investigate the potential of a novel poly(acrylic acid-co-styrene) construct with a Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist (AASTY-TLR7/8ag.) for cancer treatment and immunization.
Main Methods:
- Covalent attachment of a Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist to poly(acrylic acid-co-styrene).
- Evaluation of AASTY-TLR7/8ag. therapy in CT26 and other murine cancer models.
- Formulation of nanodiscs from cancer cell membranes *in vitro* for *in vivo* studies in mice.
Main Results:
- AASTY-TLR7/8ag. demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition.
- Therapy induced immune memory and showed synergy with anti-PD-1 treatment.
- Limited on-target/off-tumor toxicity was observed.
- Subcutaneous injection of nanodisc formulations led to rapid lymph node distribution and dendritic cell activation.
Conclusions:
- AASTY-TLR7/8ag. represents a promising loco-regional depot and *in situ* immunization platform for cancer immunotherapy.
- The platform exhibits potential for broader immunization strategies beyond cancer treatment.
