Cytokine-Encapsulated Biodegradable Microspheres for Immune Therapy

ABSTRACT

Therapeutic macromolecules such as proteins are conventionally administered via bolus injection, an approach that presents significant limitations. Sustained-release biodegradable nano/microsphere depots, on the other hand, represent a more physiological delivery tool for biologics. Here, we focus on an emerging novel application of this technology, i.e., cytokine-encapsulated biodegradable microspheres as immune therapeutics. The overall pre-clinical experience, recent advances and the clinical potential of such formulations are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Cytokine
• biodegradable microspheres
• immune therapy

Declaration of interest

The author has ownership interest in Therapyx, Inc., which is developing microparticulate protein formulations as therapeutics.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by funding from the Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence Research Enhancement Grant Program at University of Louisville.