Research > Diagnostics
Polymers for non-invasive imaging and cancer diagnosis
We are developing and testing novel polymeric imaging probes for detection of a variety of cancerous and inflammatory diseases, including colorectal cancer and ischemic heart diseases.
Targeting and detection of human colorectal cancer tumors with uMUC1-targeted polymeric probe. Kogan-Zviagin I. et al., J Control Release. 2014
Nanoparticle uptake by dendritic cells and subsequent T-cell activation
CD206-targeted, clotrimazole-loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSNPs) decorated with mannose and a PD-L1 binding peptide accumulate in draining lymph nodes, where they enhance MHC II antigen presentation by dendritic cells and block PD-L1 signaling to potentiate antitumor T-cell immunity. Srivastava P, et al., ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2024.
Nanoparticles with exceptionally large pores (H-XL-MSNPs) for effective antigen delivery and PD-L1 deglycosylation to trigger a robust T cell-mediated antitumor immune response. Srivastava P, et al., ACS Appl Bio Mater. 2025
Nanoparticle internalization by dendritic cells governs antigen presentation and the magnitude of subsequent T‑cell activation. We developed dendritic cell–targeted nanoparticles that simultaneously enhance antigen cross‑presentation and block PD‑L1–mediated inhibition, thereby amplifying T‑cell activation and antitumor immunity.