Researchers from the US have developed a nanoparticle which may be able to boost the immune system’s response to a vaccination.
The particles are based on the function performed by mast cells which are found in the skin.
These cells are thought to release a chemical called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) when they are exposed to certain types of viruses and bacteria. These chemical ‘granules’ then travel to nearby lymph nodes and trigger a response from the immune system.
The researchers were able to develop their own TNF granule which mimics the behaviour of the ones that are naturally created by mast cells. By combining the granules with a vaccine, they hoped to improve the speed in which the immune system responds to the vaccine.
Testing in mice showed that the combination of a vaccine and the nanoparticles was able to improve their survival rate when injected with a usually lethal dose of influenza A.
The researchers indicate that the individual chemicals are already approved for use in humans.
The nanoparticles may soon be available, and the researchers are aiming to tailor them for each different type of vaccine.
Dr Soman Abraham, who led the Duke University research team, said: “There is a lot of interest in nanoparticle based therapy, but we are basing our materials on our observation of mast cells in nature. This is an informed application to deliver the right material to the right place in the body to get the most effective immune reaction.”
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