Silicon dioxide nanoparticles and the use thereof for vaccination
AssigneeMerck Patent GmbH
InventorsMarkus Weigandt, Andrea Hanefeld, Armin Kuebelbeck, Gregor Larbig
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Abstract
The invention relates to ultrasmall, monodisperse nanoparticles comprising silicon dioxide to the surface of which at least one antigen is attached. The nanoparticles can be used for the immunoprophylaxis or immunotherapy of cancer. The invention also relates to a method for the targeting of antigens at antigen-presenting cells and for the activation of the immune system, where the efficiency of targeting and/or immunoactivation are set via the particle characteristics. The invention also relates to a method for the active and passive immunization of a mammal.
Claims19
A nanoparticle having a diameter of 5 to 50 nm suitable for parenteral administration, comprising
- a) a silicon dioxide matrix, and
- b) a surface functionality to which an antigen to be targeted at antigen-presenting cells is attached,
- with the proviso that neither said surface functionality nor said antigen is a major histocompatibility (MHC) molecule.
An adjuvant comprising a nanoparticle having a diameter of 5 to 50 nm suitable for parenteral administration, comprising
- a) a silicon dioxide matrix, and
- b) a surface functionality to which an antigen to be targeted at antigen-presenting cells is attached,
- with the proviso that neither said surface functionality nor said antigen is a major histocompatibility (MHC) molecule.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.