Hydrogel For Engineered Immune Response

Summary

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a novel biomaterial that can be used as a therapeutic for cancer, wound healing and other diseases.

Background

Immunotherapy, the modulation of immune response to drive tissue-specific expression has tremendous potential as a therapeutic for malignant cancers and for wound healing. It can also be used for vaccination. However, such an approach requires an immune modulator that can cause a local, sustained immune response without side effects and is not prone to clearance.

Innovation

UCLA researchers have developed a novel biomaterial with immune-modulatory properties. Their approach is based on a solid hydrogel with chemically cross-linked immune modulators. It is not prone to clearance and is stable for long time periods ensuring a sustained immune response. Their initial proof of concept experiments showed an eight-fold increase in expression of immune cells around the biomaterial.

Applications

• Immunotherapy for Malignant Tumors 
• Wound healing 
• Vaccinations

Advantages

• Targeted delivery of immune response modulators for reduced side-effects 
• Solid immune-modulator approach is less prone to clearance

State Of Development

Proof of concept experiments conducted in animal model systems.

Patent Status