The present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing antigen-specific tolerance in a subject. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising an apoptotic body and an epitope of an antigen. Also provided herein are methods of preparing and administering the composition. The composition and methods provided herein can induce antigen-specific tolerance in a subject.

This invention provides methods for producing a polymer particle which contains unusually high negative charges on the surface of the particle. Preferably, the polymer is pharmaceutically acceptable. The negative charges can be conferred by chemical groups such as carboxyl, sulfonate, nitrate, fluorate, chloride, iodide, persulfate, and many others, with carboxyl group being preferred. The invention also provides polymer particle produced by the methods of the invention.

The invention relates to amphiphilic dye-coated inorganic nanoparticle clusters and uses thereof. Specifically, the invention relates to cyanine and/or cyclic tetrapyrrole dye-coated metallic nanoparticle clusters for use in medical imaging and treatments.

Disclosed herein are antigen-capturing nanoparticles. Specifically, the subject matter contained herein pertains to novel nanoparticles that can capture a multitude of tumor antigens that are released from tumor cells. Also, provided herein are methods for preparing the antigen-capturing nanoparticles and methods for the treatment of disease in a subject comprising administering the antigen-capturing nanoparticles.

The present disclosure relates to unimolecular core-shell nanoparticle, nanoclusters thereof, and platelet biomimetic nanoclusters thereof. The disclosed compositions are useful for treating a subject with a disease or condition, such as a cardiovascular disease. In a further aspect, the cardiovascular disease can be a vascular stenosis or restenosis. Also described herein are methods of making and using the unimolecular core-shell nanoparticle, nanoclusters thereof, and platelet biomimetic nanoclusters thereof. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

The present invention provides compositions comprising peptide-coupled biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) particles. In particular, PLG particles are surface-functionalized to allow for coupling of peptide molecules to the surface of the particles (e.g., for use in eliciting induction of immunological tolerance).

The present invention provides compositions comprising peptide-coupled biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) particles. In particular, PLG particles are surface-functionalized to allow for coupling of peptide molecules to the surface of the particles (e.g., for use in eliciting induction of immunological tolerance).

Biodegradable particles for interacting with immune cells to generate an immunosuppressive effect are disclosed. The biodegradable particle comprises a polyester or polyester blend with at least one soluble protein or small molecule encapsulated within the particle and at least two types of protein attached to a surface of the particle or to a coating on the surface thereof, which can be used to induce targeting regulatory T cells (Tregs). The at least two types of protein attached to a surface of the particle or to a coating on the surface thereof include a “Signal 1” protein that binds to an immune cell and a “Signal 2” protein that acts as a co-stimulatory molecule to immune cells. The encapsulated protein can be an interleukin and/or a cytokine. Methods of their use for treating a disease or condition, including an autoimmune disease, are disclosed.

Provided herein are compositions, systems, kits, and methods for treating a patient with a thromboembolism by administering nanoconjugates comprising nanoparticles encapsulating and/or conjugated to: i) tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), and ii) at least one antioxidant enzyme selected from the group consisting of: superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and a catalase.

Compounds of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, and/or solvate thereof, wherein: R.sub.1 is a pharmaceutically acceptable polymeric moiety comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer chain such that the carbonyl group is linked to R.sub.1 through an ester, amide, carbonate or carbamate bond; R.sub.2 is hydrogen, or —(C═O)Rs wherein R.sub.5 is a C.sub.1-3 straight or branched chain alkyl group; and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-3 straight or branched chain alkyl group, or —(C=0)Re wherein R.sub.6 is —(O—CH.sub.2—CH.sub.2).sub.n—OCH.sub.3 or a C1-3 straight or branched chain alkyl group, and n is 1 to 5. The compositions are useful for the treatment of Parkinson's disease when administered alone or in combination with carbidopa and/or entacapone.

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