There is a great need to deliver metabolites intracellularly without modifying the metabolite itself and rescue immune cells against metabolic exhaustion. In cancer therapy, metabolic pathway inhibitors are used that starve both cancerous cells as well as non-cancerous cells. Therefore, the ability to target specific immune cells and deliver metabolites that can jump-start these pathways that can make them active and lead to effective immunotherapy against cancer cells is imperative.
Prof. Abhinav Acharya at Arizona State University developed metabolite-based polymeric particles and methods for delivery to modulate the intracellular metabolic profile/pathways. Particles that have been developed include 1) fructose 1,6-biphosphate-based and 2) alpha-ketoglutarate-based polymeric-microparticles that encapsulate ovalbumin as a model protein. These particles rescue immune cells against metabolic exhaustion by delivering metabolites directly to the cells.
Potential Applications
- Rescue immune cells (e.g., dendritic cells) in the presence of metabolic inhibitors
- Targeted and sustained delivery of metabolites
Benefits and Advantages
- Targeted modulation of immune responses at the metabolic level
- Increases Th2 cell frequency, aiding in faster wound healing
- Localized effects minimize the risk of systemic immune changes
For more information about this opportunity, please see
European patent Publication No. 3968972
Pending Canadian patent application No. 3,140,649