Application of PLGA nano/microparticle delivery systems for immunomodulation and prevention of allotransplant rejection

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Allograft transplantation is an effective end-point therapy to replace the function of an impaired organ. The main problem associated with allotransplantation is the induction of immune responses that results in acute and chronic graft rejection. To modulate the response of the immune system, transplant recipients generally take high dose immunosuppressant drugs for life. These drugs are associated with serious side effects such as infection with opportunistic pathogens and the development of neoplasia.

Areas covered

We reviewed the obstacles to successful transplantation and PLGA-based strategies to reduce immune-mediated allograft rejection.

Expert opinion

Biomaterial-based approaches using micro- and nanoparticles such as poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) can be used to achieve controlled release of drugs. This approach decreases the required effective dose of drugs and enables local delivery of these agents to specific tissues and cells, whilst decreasing systemic effects.

KEYWORDS:

• PLGA
• transplantation
• allograft rejection
• immunosuppression

Article highlights

• One of the main concerns of allotransplantation is overcoming and modulating immune responses.

• Common immunosuppressant drugs cause adverse effects because of their general and non-specific impacts.

• The development of nano/microparticles such as PLGA, which allows controlled release and targeted delivery of these drugs presents a promising therapeutic approach.

• The lower toxicity of drug-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles compared with the soluble form and the potential for combination therapy with additional induction therapies are the main advantages of nano/microparticle delivery systems.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Mr. Omid Izadi for designing the figures presented in this article.

Declaration of interest

PE Penson owns four shares in Astra Zeneca PLC and has received travel/speaker’s fees from Amgen Inc. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.