mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of immune-control treatment for allergic reactions

Allergic contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition caused by a pathological immune response to a given trigger such as poison ivy oils or nickel metal. This aggravating skin condition can be prevented and treated by reducing the local formation of allergen specific t-cells. Doing so, however, requires careful localized delivery of specific set of molecules including proteins and small-molecule signals to discourage an overly responsive immune attack. This same strategy has great application towards other uses such as autoimmune disease disorders and transplant rejection. Recently, Researchers at University of Pittsburgh used mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) (PolyVivo AK037) to generate microparticles which can locally deliver TGF-β1, Rapamycin, and IL-2 to the skin. They discovered these particles were successful in prevent or reversing allergic responses in sensitized mice. This research holds promise to treat a wide-array of immune-mediated disease state. Read more: Balmert, Stephen C., Cara Donahue, John R. Vu, Geza Erdos, Louis D. Falo, and Steven R. Little. "In vivo induction of regulatory T cells promotes allergen tolerance and suppresses allergic contact dermatitis." Journal of Controlled Release (2017). http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365917307046

“Abstract: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common T-cell mediated inflammatory skin condition, characterized by an intensely pruritic rash at the site of contact with allergens like poison ivy or nickel. Current clinical treatments use topical corticosteroids, which broadly and transiently suppress inflammation and symptoms of ACD, but fail to address the underlying immune dysfunction. Here, we present an alternative therapeutic approach that teaches the immune system to tolerate contact allergens by expanding populations of naturally suppressive allergen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs). Specifically, biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG-PLGA) microparticles were engineered to release TGF-β1, Rapamycin, and IL-2, to locally sustain a microenvironment that promotes Treg differentiation. By expanding allergen-specific Tregs and reducing pro-inflammatory effector T cells, these microparticles inhibited destructive hypersensitivity responses to subsequent allergen exposure in an allergen-specific manner, effectively preventing or reversing ACD in previously sensitized mice. Ultimately, this approach to in vivo Treg induction could also enable novel therapies for transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases.”