Nanostructure Enhanced Targeting (NSET) of Inflammatory Cells

Abstract

The present invention provides nanomaterials for the specific targeting of immune cells. Methods of treating cardiac disease and inflammatory disease are also described.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A method of treating cardiovascular disease comprising targeting a polymersome comprising block copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(propylene sulfide) (PPS) to a dendritic cell associated with cardiovascular disease in a subject, wherein the polymersome incorporates or encapsulates a therapeutic agent able to treat cardiovascular disease or a diagnostic. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the size of the polymersome is about 90 to about 150 nm in diameter, and wherein the therapeutic agent is delivered to dendritic cells within the subject and ameliorates at least one symptom of cardiovascular disease. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the cardiovascular disease comprises atherosclerotic lesions. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the therapeutic agent is a therapeutic agent that treats, reduces or inhibits atherosclerotic lesions in the subject. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the therapeutic agent is at least one of an immunotherapy or gene therapy agent. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the polymersome comprises a vesicular polymer membrane comprising PEG 17 -b-PPS 30 . 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the agent is delivered to dendritic cells within the blood vessels of the subject and ameliorates at least one symptom of cardiovascular disease. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the therapeutic agent is an anti-inflammatory agent. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the polymersome does not contain a targeting ligand specific for dendritic cells. 
     
     
         38 . A method of imaging a dendritic cell associated with an inflammatory response in a subject, the method comprising administering polymersomes comprising a diagnostic agent to the subject, wherein the diagnostic agent is an imaging agent, and wherein the polymersomes comprise a block copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(propylene sulfide) (PPS), and wherein the polymersomes are selectively taken up by dendritic cells. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the inflammatory response is associated with cardiovascular disease. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the polymersome does not contain a targeting ligand specific for dendritic cells. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the diagnostic agent is an imaging agent. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the imaging agent is at least one of a MRI contrast agent, fluorescent imaging agent, and radiocontrast agent. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the agent is a diagnostic agent selected from the group consisting of MRI contrast agent, fluorescent imaging agent, and radiocontrast agent. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the inflammatory response is associated with an atherosclerotic lesion in the subject. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the polymersome comprises a vesicular polymer membrane comprising PEG 17 -bl-PPS 30 .