SURFACE-MODIFIED DIAMOND NANOPARTICLES AS ANTIGEN DELIVERY VEHICLES

Recognition of antigens by immunocompetent cells involves inter action s that are specific to the chemical sequence and conformation of the e pitope (antigenic determinant). Adjuvants that are currently used to e nhance immunity to antigens tend to either alter the antigen conformat ion through surface adsorption or shield potentially critical determin ants, e.g., functional groups. It is demonstrated here that surface-mo dified diamond nanoparticles (5-300 nm) provide conformational stabili zation, as well as a high degree of surface exposure to protein antige ns. By enhancing the availability and activity of the antigen in vivo, a strong, specific immune response can be elicited. Results are demon strated for mussel adhesive protein (MAP), a substance for which conve ntional adjuvants have proven only marginally successful in evoking an immune response. Surface-modified diamond nanoparticles as antigen de livery vehicles are a novel example of the exciting marriage of materi als science, chemistry, and biology.