Open AccessGold nanorods enhance different immune cells and allow for efficient targeting of CD4+ Foxp3+ Tregulatory cells
Author(s) -
Ingrid Safina,
Zeid A Nima Al Sudani,
Ahmed Hashoosh,
Emilie Darrigues,
Fumiya Watanabe,
Alexandru S. Biris,
Ruud P.M. Dings,
Kieng B. Vang
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0241882
Subject(s) - immune system , foxp3 , nanorod , nanomedicine , nanotechnology , materials science , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , medicine , biology , nanoparticle
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) hold great promise in nanomedicine, yet their successful clinical translation has not been realized. Some challenges include effective AuNP targeting and delivery to improve modulation of immune cells of interest while limiting potential adverse effects. In order to overcome these challenges, we must fully understand how AuNPs impact different immune cell subsets, particularly within the dendritic cell and T cell compartments. Herein, we show that polyethylene glycol coated (PEG) gold nanorods (AuNRs) and PEG AuNRs covered with a thin layer of silver (AuNR/Ag) may enhance the immune response towards immune suppression or activation. We also studied the ability to enhance CD4+ Foxp3+ Tregs in vitro using AuNRs functionalized with interleukin 2 (IL2), a cytokine that is important in Treg development and homeostasis. Our results indicate that AuNRs enhance different immune cells and that NP composition matters in immune targeting. This knowledge will help us understand how to better design AuNRs to target and enhance the immune system.