| 초록 |
Because of the ability of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to eliminate the non-self antigen, CTLs have been considered to play an important role in cancer immunotherapy. In our study, we assumed that tumor-targetable polymeric conjugate bearing a foreign antigen would induce CTL-mediated immunological rejection by foreignization. To confirm this, we synthesized matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)-responsive polymeric conjugates consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG) attached to hyaluronic acid (HA) as a backbone and ovalbumin (OVA) as a model antigen. The MMP9-sensitive linker was introduced between PEG and the HA. In the presence of MMP9, the conjugate was effectively taken up by TC-1 tumor cells. When the conjugate was systemically administered into the tumor-bearing mice, which already have endogenous OVA-specific CTLs, tumor growth was noticeably inhibited. In conclusion, MMP9-responsive polymeric conjugates have proven to hold potential as an alternative to cancer immunotherapy. |
