Polyanhydride Nanoparticle Delivery Systems in Immunotherapy
Summary
Polyanhydride nanoparticles represent a versatile class of biodegradable polymers engineered for the controlled delivery of antigens, adjuvants and immunomodulatory agents. Their surface‐erosion degradation profile affords precise temporal control over payload release, optimising both the magnitude and duration of immune stimulation. Fabricated via solvent‐based nanoprecipitation or hot‐melt extrusion, these particles can encapsulate proteins, peptides, nucleic acids and small-molecule adjuvants without compromising biological activity. The inherent hydrophobicity of polyanhydrides leads to minimal burst release and sustained antigen presentation, favouring cross-presentation pathways in antigen-presenting cells. Surface functionalisation with targeting ligands or immune-stimulatory carbohydrates further enhances uptake by dendritic cells and macrophages, biasing the immune response towards desired T helper profiles. Their modular chemistry allows tuning of degradation kinetics—from days to months—making them suitable for single-dose vaccines and prime-boost regimes without cold-chain dependency. The global significance of polyanhydride systems lies in their potential to address unmet needs in ageing populations, neglected tropical diseases and pandemic preparedness by offering safe, stable and potent immune activation with minimal inflammatory side effects.
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Polyanhydride Nanoparticle Delivery Systems in Immunotherapy publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in polyanhydride nanoparticle delivery systems in immunotherapy across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Polyanhydride: A class of biodegradable polymers characterised by surface erosion and precise control over payload release.
Antigen-presenting cell (APC): A dendritic cell, macrophage or B cell that internalises, processes and displays antigenic peptides to T lymphocytes.
Adjuvant: A substance that enhances the magnitude or quality of an immune response to an antigen.
Surface erosion: The degradation mechanism in which polymer mass is lost from the particle exterior, enabling sustained release of encapsulated agents.
Mucosal immunity: Immune protection at epithelial surfaces, often involving secretory IgA and tissue-resident memory T cells.
References
- Novel nanoadjuvants balance immune activation with modest inflammation: implications for older adult vaccines. Immunity & Ageing (2023).
- Design of a Protective Single-Dose Intranasal Nanoparticle-Based Vaccine Platform for Respiratory Infectious Diseases. PLOS ONE (2011).
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