Targeting of antigen presenting cells with immunonanotherapeutics

A method for increasing the uptake of an antigen by a subcapsular sinus macrophage, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising:

• (1) a synthetic nanocarrier formed of a material selected from the group consisting of lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, surfactant-based emulsions, dendrimers, buckyballs, nanowires, peptide or protein-based particles comprising:
• (a) at least one surface comprising an immunofeature surface comprising a plurality of moieties that provide high avidity and low affinity binding to antigen presenting cell surfaces as compared to antibody binding;
• and
• (b) an antigen, wherein the antigen is on:
• (i) the immunofeature surface;
• (ii) a second surface of the nanocarrier;
• or (iii) encapsulated within a core region of the nanocarrier;
• and
• (2) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.