The evaluation of lymph node cell proliferation response by liposomes loaded with major histocompatibility complex class II binding aquaporin 4 antigen peptide

A new platform for autoimmune diseases. Inducing tolerance with liposomes encapsulating autoantigens

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are caused by the loss of self-tolerance and destruction of tissues by the host's immune system. Several antigen-specific immunotherapies, focused on arresting the autoimmune attack, have been tested in clinical trials with discouraging results. Therefore, there is a need for innovative strategies to restore self-tolerance safely and definitively in AIDs. We previously demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of phosphatidylserine (PS)-liposomes encapsulating autoantigens in experimental type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Here, we show that PS-liposomes can be adapted to other autoimmune diseases by simply replacing the encapsulated autoantigen. After administration, they are distributed to target organs, captured by phagocytes and interact with several immune cells, thus exerting a tolerogenic and immunoregulatory effect. Specific PS-liposomes demonstrate great preventive and therapeutic efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis and myasthenia gravis. Thus, this work highlights the therapeutic potential of a platform for several autoimmunity settings, which is specific, safe, and with long-term effects.

Can Immune Tolerance Be Re-established in Neuromyelitis Optica?

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that primarily affects the optic nerves and spinal cord of patients, and in some instances their brainstem, diencephalon or cerebrum as spectrum disorders (NMOSD). Clinical and basic science knowledge of NMO has dramatically increased over the last two decades and it has changed the perception of the disease as being inevitably disabling or fatal. Nonetheless, there is still no cure for NMO and all the disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are only partially effective. Furthermore, DMTs are not disease- or antigen-specific and alter all immune responses including those protective against infections and cancer and are often associated with significant adverse reactions. In this review, we discuss the pathogenic mechanisms of NMO as they pertain to its DMTs and immune tolerance. We also examine novel research therapeutic strategies focused on induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance by administrating tolerogenic immune-modifying nanoparticles (TIMP). Development and implementation of immune tolerance-based therapies in NMO is likely to be an important step toward improving the treatment outcomes of the disease. The antigen-specificity of these therapies will likely ameliorate the disease safely and effectively, and will also eliminate the clinical challenges associated with chronic immunosuppressive therapies.