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Selecta Biosciences' proprietary product platform technology combines recent advances in immunobiology with cutting-edge nanotechnology to develop targeted immunomodulatory nanoparticles. Our targeted immunomodulatory nanoparticles are rationally designed to deliver bioactive molecules to specific immune cells in the body. Depending on the cellular target and the molecular information encoded in the payload, the nanoparticles can potently stimulate or modify immune responses. Traditional immunomodulatory products in clinical use, such as prophylactic vaccines or therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, provide compelling validation for the clinical utility and therapeutic benefit of immunomodulation. Selecta's technology for the first time allows for the highly precise and modular development of therapeutic and prophylactic immunomodulatory products with optimal efficacy, duration of coverage and safety, to greatly improve the lives of patients.
1. Nanoparticle size and shape: Our immune system must defend us against a host of infectious pathogens, which are naturally encountered in form of minute particles. Thus, our bodies have evolved specialized mechanisms to detect, capture and respond vigorously to particles ranging from tens of nanometers to several micrometers in size. Consequently, immune responses to immunomodulatory stimuli (e.g. antigens or adjuvants) are much more robust when these stimuli are associated with nanoparticles than when they are encountered as free molecules. Because our targeted immunomodulatory nanoparticles are specifically designed to exploit this immunological principle, they can be highly immunogenic and generate strong humoral and cellular immune responses, even to poorly immunogenic antigens.
2. Modular nanoparticle engineering: Selecta's proprietary technology platform enables (i) the precise and reproducible engineering of targeted immunomodulatory nanoparticles; (ii) rapid screening to optimize product attributes; (iii) manufacturing using a readily scalable process; (iv) rapid development of multiple products using a modular approach. The targeted immunomodulatory nanoparticles are principally constructed from several building blocks that are each individually optimized with regard to their physicochemical properties, concentration and distribution to elicit optimal biological effects. These building blocks include:
3. Selective targeting: Selecta's nanoparticles have targeting attributes that mediate binding to professional antigen-presenting cells, which act as the master regulators of adaptive immune responses. This strategy minimizes the dose of antigen, adjuvant and other bioactive compounds needed for maximal immunomodulation and avoids undesirable off-target effects.
4. Biocompatible composition: Selecta's targeted nanoparticles are composed of synthetic, biocompatible, biodegradable materials with established clinical safety profiles.
The image shows a fluorescent micrograph of an intact lymph node. Three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy was used to identify antibody-producing B cells (green), T cells (red) and blood vessels (yellow). Lymph nodes also contain antigen presenting cells that are critical for the induction and modulation of immune responses by B and T cells. Selecta's nanoparticles shape immune responses by selectively targeting and stimulating these antigen presenting cells.
Selecta's intellectual property portfolio consists of a broad patent estate of issued and pending patent applications covering immunomodulatory nanoparticles, targeted delivery, controlled release polymer systems, nanoparticle formulation and processing for therapeutic and prophylactic immunomodulatory applications. Key foundational intellectual property has been licensed on an exclusive and worldwide basis from MIT, Brigham and Women's Hospital, the Immune Disease Institute and Harvard Medical School.