Nanoparticles as HIV antigen delivery: potential application in anti-HIV immunotherapy using monocyte-derived dendritic cells

• Grant number: 19/24849-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): November 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Alberto José da Silva Duarte
• Grantee: Bruna Tiaki Tiyo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 16/25212-9 - Therapeutic vaccine based on aDC1 dendritic cells pulsed with inactivated autologous virus for the control of viremia after ATI in HIV infected individuals, AP.TEM

Abstract

Immunotherapy based in dendritic cells (CD) is a potential strategy to improve the treatment of HIV infection. Recently, DC has also been attributed the ability to act in the mobilization of viral reservoirs, which could contribute to their elimination, promoting the cure of infection. Unlike conventional Antiretroviral Therapies (ART) aimed at eliminating the virus, immunotherapy is aimed at restoring the immune system of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), as DCs are capable of capturing antigens, generating cellular response, as well as activating reservoirs of HIV. Therefore, the aim is to stimulate a direct and specific immune response against viral infection. In addition to the importance of the quality of DC to be inoculated in the patient, the type of antigen used to carry MDDC is equally relevant. In this sense, carrier agents have gained notoriety for improving antigen delivery to the cell or tissue of interest. One natural polymer that has been widely studied as an immune system modulator is chitosan. This polysaccharide has advantages such as non-toxicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Chitosan nanoparticle has been used mainly in preclinical studies as an antigen and antiretroviral carrier. In addition, research on innovative strategies to contain HIV infection has a great relevance, not only for seeking new alternatives, but also improving the quality of the vaccine product. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of using chitosan nanoparticles for inactivated HIV delivery to pulse MDDC from HIV-1 infected individuals. (AU)