Multimodal nanoparticles for cancer therapy and imaging

Abstract

In this thesis, the power of synthetic chemistry and colloidal nanotechnology are employed in the advancement of cell therapy and imaging. A new approach to dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy is examined with the use of a MUC1 tumor mouse, and the utilization of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles as delivery vehicles is also explored. The nanoparticle is conjugated to MUC1 tumor antigen and α-GalCer, an innate immune adjuvant. Preliminary data of the efficacy of this therapy are presented, thus promoting further research in this area. This multimodal nanovaccine enables activation of DCs endogenously. Nebulization is examined as a means of delivering the nanovaccine to the DC-rich tissues of the lungs. Results of staining and imaging of the lungs and lymph nodes (LNs) indicate that the lung-based DCs can take up nanoparticles and migrate to the LNs. To embark in yet another imaging modality for tracking DC migration in a small mouse model we also develop a novel near-infrared (NIR) dye.