Techniques: Nanoparticles with cytotoxic payloads cross-linked to T cells
Nanoparticles cross-linked to T cells could help deliver cytotoxic payloads to tumors in lymph nodes. Lymphocyte accumulation in lymph nodes depends on the homing receptor L selection (CD62L; SELL). Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated nanoparticles loaded with the active metabolite of irinotecan were cross-linked to free thiols on the surface of mouse T cells primed to express CD62L with a mixture of cytokines and mitogens. In a mouse lymphoma cell line, the nanoparticle-T cell conjugates decreased viability compared with unconjugated T cells or nanoparticles. In a mouse model of Burkitt's lymphoma, the nanoparticle-T cell conjugates increased T cell homing to lymph nodes, decreased tumor growth and increased survival. Next steps could include testing other cytotoxic agents and T cells primed to express other homing receptors...