Affiliation:
1. Institute of Materiobiology Department of Chemistry College of Science Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
2. School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 201240 China
3. Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM) Jiangsu Key Lab Carbon Based Functional Materials and Devices Soochow University Suzhou 215123 Jiangsu China
Abstract
AbstractSubunit vaccines based on antigen proteins or epitopes of pathogens or tumors show advantages in immunological precision and high safety, but are often limited by their low immunogenicity. Adjuvants can boost immune responses by stimulating immune cells or promoting antigen uptake by antigen presenting cells (APCs), yet existing clinical adjuvants struggle in simultaneously achieving these dual functions. Additionally, the spatial organization of antigens might be crucial to their immunogenicity. Hence, superior adjuvants should potently stimulate the immune system, precisely arrange antigens, and effectively deliver antigens to APCs. Recently, precisely organizing and delivering antigens with the unique editability of DNA nanostructures has been proposed, presenting unique abilities in significantly improving the immunogenicity of antigens. In this minireview, we will discuss the principles behind using DNA nanostructures as self‐adjuvant carriers and review the latest advancements in this field. The potential and challenges associated with self‐adjuvant DNA nanostructures will also be discussed.
Funder
National Key Research and Development Program of China
National Natural Science Foundation of China