Heuking S, Rothen-Rutishauser B, Raemy DO, Günthert M, Merkle HP, Walter E. Fate of TLR-1/TLR-2 agonist functionalised pDNA nanoparticles upon deposition at the human bronchial epithelium in vitro. J Nanobiotechnol. 2013;11:29. doi: 10.1186/1477-3155-11-29.
This study investigated the interaction of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-1/TLR-2 agonist-functionalized plasmid DNA (pDNA) nanoparticles with human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro. Utilizing a three-dimensional co-culture model comprising human bronchial epithelial cells and immune cells, the research assessed nanoparticle deposition, cellular uptake, and subsequent immune responses. Findings indicated that functionalization with TLR-1/TLR-2 agonists enhanced nanoparticle uptake by epithelial cells and modulated immune cell activation, suggesting potential applications in mucosal vaccination and gene therapy.
Keywords: TLR-1/TLR-2 agonist, plasmid DNA nanoparticles, bronchial epithelium, immune modulation, mucosal vaccination