| abstract |
Described herein are methods and systems that can be used to induce immunologic tolerance to non-self antigens. The methods and systems comprise introducing a tolerogen comprising at least one immunogenic non-self antigen coupled to a carrier, wherein the immunogenic antigen can be a foreign or endogenous antigen or fragments thereof. The non-self antigen can be selected from the group consisting of carbohydrate antigens, full-length antigenic proteins, and fragments and combinations thereof, while the carrier can be selected from nanoparticles and stents. Tolerogen compositions are also provided and can be used to induce immunologic tolerance to non-self antigens. These methods, systems and compositions are particularly advantageous since they can be used to allow for the extension of the window of safety for immunologically-incompatible transplantations to patients who are growing past the age of infancy. |