Monomers and copolymers are provided that both target antigen presenting cells (APCs) and activate toll-like receptor (TLR) on the APCs. In some embodiments, compositions and methods involve a polymer that targets the mannose receptor on APCs, in addition to activating a TLR. These can then be conjugated to protein antigens to efficiently target antigens to DCs and simultaneously induce the up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules that are essential for effective T cell activation. This copolymer is a more efficient activator of DCs, as measured by the surface expression of co-stimulatory molecules and the release of proinflammatory cytokines, than the monomeric form the TLR agonist used in the polymer formulation. Aspects of the disclosure relate to novel compounds, methods, and compositions for treating diseases using the compounds, copolymers, and compositions described herein.

Monomers and copolymers are provided that both target antigen presenting cells (APCs) and activate toll-like receptor (TLR) on the APCs. In some embodiments, compositions and methods involve a polymer that targets the mannose receptor on APCs, in addition to activating a TLR. These can then be conjugated to protein antigens to efficiently target antigens to DCs and simultaneously induce the up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules that are essential for effective T cell activation. This copolymer is a more efficient activator of DCs, as measured by the surface expression of co-stimulatory molecules and the release of proinflammatory cytokines, than the monomeric form the TLR agonist used in the polymer formulation. Aspects of the disclosure relate to novel compounds, methods, and compositions for treating diseases using the compounds, copolymers, and compositions described herein.

Provided herein are block copolymers comprising a hydrophilic polymer segment and a hydrophobic polymer segment, wherein the hydrophilic polymer segment comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of: poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(methacrylate phosphatidyl choline) (MPC), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), wherein the hydrophobic polymer segment comprises

##STR00001##

wherein R′ is —H or —CH.sub.3, wherein R is —NR.sup.1R.sup.2, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are alkyl groups, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together have from 5 to 16 carbons, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may optionally join to form a ring, wherein n is 1 to about 10, and wherein x is about 20 to about 200 in total. Also provided are pH-sensitive micelle compositions for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Provided herein are block copolymers comprising a hydrophilic polymer segment and a hydrophobic polymer segment, wherein the hydrophilic polymer segment comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of: poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(methacrylate phosphatidyl choline) (MPC), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), wherein the hydrophobic polymer segment comprises

##STR00001##

wherein R′ is —H or —CH.sub.3, wherein R is —NR.sup.1R.sup.2, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are alkyl groups, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together have from 5 to 16 carbons, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may optionally join to form a ring, wherein n is 1 to about 10, and wherein x is about 20 to about 200 in total. Also provided are pH-sensitive micelle compositions for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

The present disclosure provides, in one aspect, bifunctional compounds that can be used to promote or enhance degradation of certain circulating proteins. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides bifunctional compounds that can be used to promote or enhance degradation of certain autoantibodies. In certain embodiments, treatment or management of a disease and/or disorder requires degradation, removal, or reduction in concentration of the circulating protein or the autoantibody in the subject. Thus, in certain embodiments, administration of a compound of the disclosure to the subject removes or reduces the circulation concentration of the circulating protein or the autoantibody, thus treating, ameliorating, or preventing the disease and/or disorder. In certain embodiments, the circulating protein is TNF.

The present disclosure provides, in one aspect, bifunctional compounds that can be used to promote or enhance degradation of certain circulating proteins. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides bifunctional compounds that can be used to promote or enhance degradation of certain autoantibodies. In certain embodiments, treatment or management of a disease and/or disorder requires degradation, removal, or reduction in concentration of the circulating protein or the autoantibody in the subject. Thus, in certain embodiments, administration of a compound of the disclosure to the subject removes or reduces the circulation concentration of the circulating protein or the autoantibody, thus treating, ameliorating, or preventing the disease and/or disorder. In certain embodiments, the circulating protein is TNF.

The invention provides novel polymers, crosslinked polymer-nucleic acid complexes, lipid-polymer-nucleic acid-based complexation and nanoassemblies, and nanoassembly-based intracellular delivery of nucleic acids and controlled release thereof upon degradation of the nanoassemblies in response to specific microenvironment in the cell, and compositions and methods of preparation and use thereof.

The invention provides novel polymers, crosslinked polymer-nucleic acid complexes, lipid-polymer-nucleic acid-based complexation and nanoassemblies, and nanoassembly-based intracellular delivery of nucleic acids and controlled release thereof upon degradation of the nanoassemblies in response to specific microenvironment in the cell, and compositions and methods of preparation and use thereof.

The invention provides a polymerizable composition and a hydrogel obtained or obtainable from the polymerizable composition. The polymerizable composition comprises cucurbituril and a first monomer having a guest for the cucurbituril, wherein the total monomer concentration, C.sub.mon, within the polymerizable composition is at least 0.5 M. The composition may be an aqueous composition.

The invention provides a polymerizable composition and a hydrogel obtained or obtainable from the polymerizable composition. The polymerizable composition comprises cucurbituril and a first monomer having a guest for the cucurbituril, wherein the total monomer concentration, C.sub.mon, within the polymerizable composition is at least 0.5 M. The composition may be an aqueous composition.