Lymph-Node-Targeted Immune Activation by Engineered Block Copolymer Amphiphiles-TLR7/8 Agonist Conjugates

J Am Chem Soc. 2018 Oct 31;140(43):14300-14307. doi: 10.1021/jacs.8b08595. Epub 2018 Oct 17.

Abstract

Small molecule immuno-modulators such as agonists of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are attractive compounds to stimulate innate immune cells toward potent antiviral and antitumor responses. However, small molecules rapidly enter the systemic circulation and cause "wasted inflammation". Hence, synthetic strategies to confine their radius of action to lymphoid tissue are of great relevance, to both enhance their efficacy and concomitantly limit toxicity. Here, we demonstrate that covalent conjugation of a small molecule TLR7/8 agonist immunomodulatory to a micelle-forming amphiphilic block copolymer greatly alters the pharmacokinetic profile, resulting in highly efficient lymphatic delivery. Moreover, we designed amphiphilic block copolymers in such a way to form thermodynamically stable micelles through π-π stacking between aromatic moieties, and we engineered the block copolymers to undergo an irreversible amphiphilic to hydrophilic transition in response to the acidic endosomal pH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lymph Nodes / drug effects*
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Micelles
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Polymers / pharmacology*
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents / pharmacology*
  • Thermodynamics
  • Toll-Like Receptor 7 / agonists*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 7 / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptor 8 / agonists*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 8 / immunology

Substances

  • Micelles
  • Polymers
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Toll-Like Receptor 7
  • Toll-Like Receptor 8