Effect of the Poly(ethylene
glycol) (PEG) Density
on the Access and Uptake of Particles by Antigen-Presenting Cells
(APCs) after Subcutaneous Administration
- Publication date
- Publisher
Abstract
Lymphatic trafficking of particles
to the secondary lymphoid
organs,
such as lymph nodes, and the cell types that particles access are
critical factors that control the quality and quantity of immune responses.
In this study, we evaluated the effect of PEGylation on the lymphatic
trafficking and accumulation of particles in draining lymph nodes
(dLNs) as well as the cell types that internalized particles. As a
model system, 200 nm polystyrene (PS) particles were modified with
different densities of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and administered
subcutaneously to mice. PEGylation enhanced the efficiency of particle
drainage away from the injection site as well as the access of particles
to dendritic cells (DCs). The accumulation of particles in dLNs was
dependent on the PEG density. PEGylation also enhanced uptake by DCs
while reducing internalization by B cells at the single cell level.
Our results indicate that PEGylation facilitated the trafficking of
particles to dLNs either through enhanced trafficking in lymphatic
vessels or by enhanced internalization by migratory DCs. This study
provides insight into utilizing PEGylated particles for the development
of synthetic vaccines