| abstract |
Mucus penetrating nanoparticles for inducing, increasing, or enhancing an immune response typically include core of a blend of a biodegradable hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic polymer, wherein ≥50% of the biodegradable polymer is conjugated to the hydrophilic polymer, and the hydrophilic polymers forms a coating on the particle. The particles encapsulate a cargo, typically an antigen, adjuvant or other immunomodulator, or a nucleic acid encoding the antigen, or combination thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions including an effective amount of particles to induce an immune response in a subject in need thereof are also provided. Methods of inducing an immune response are also provided, and typically include administering to a subject, preferably via the respiratory tract, the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the subject has cancer or an infection of the lung. |