Developed nanoparticles effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
American scientists have developed nanoparticles, effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, reports EurekAlet! The results of a study by Dr. Andrew Mellor (Andrew Mellor) and colleagues from the College of Medicine of Georgia are published in The Journal of Immunology.
Scientists have developed nanoparticles, which are based on a complex of DNA and cationic polymer polyethyleneimine. They planned to use these DNA nanoparticles for the direct delivery of genes to certain cells. In the study, Mellor and colleagues found that nanoparticles that do not contain genes and drugs also help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in mice.
It turned out that the "empty" nanoparticles cause a significant increase in the levels of alpha, beta and gamma interferon in the blood, which in turn leads to increased production of indoleomin 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) cells, an enzyme associated with tolerance of the immune system. A study conducted by Mellor and his colleague David Mann in 1998 showed that this protein is produced in pregnant women and prevents the rejection of the fetus by the mother's body.
The elevated IDO level contributed to the suppression of immune system activity in mice with rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in a decrease in tumors around the joints in animals. To confirm that it was the increase in IDO level that facilitated the state of rodents, the scientists withdrew mice without the IDO1 gene. Cells in the body of such mice could not produce the corresponding enzyme, so their state after administration of the nanoparticles did not improve.
Mellor believes that such nanoparticles can be used in the treatment of other autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and diabetes mellitus.
Now scientists in cooperation with chemists are developing a biodegradable polymer that can be used in the production of DNA nanoparticles. Such a polymer will be naturally removed from the body.
[