Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, multilayer film coating compositions, coated substrates and methods thereof. In some embodiments, a structure, comprising a substrate and a multilayer film on the substrate, wherein the multilayer film comprises a release layer and one or more layer-by-layer films. In some embodiments, a structure comprising a microneedle substrate and a multilayer film coated on at least portion of the microneedle substrate, wherein the multilayer film comprises an agent for delivery.

Abstract: Lipid conjugates for enhanced delivery of cargo to the lymph nodes are disclosed. The lipid conjugates typically include three domains: a lipophilic domain that binds to albumin, a polar block domain, and a cargo such as a molecular adjuvant or immunostimulatory compound (such as an oligonucleotide) or antigenic peptide. Depending on the cargo, the length and compositions of the polar block can be tailored to push the equilibrium toward albumin binding, stable micelle formation, or cell insertion. The conjugates can be administered to a subject, for example, a subject with cancer or an infection, to induce or enhance a robust immune response in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, multilayer film coating compositions, coated substrates and methods thereof. In some embodiments, a structure, comprising a substrate and a multilayer film on the substrate, wherein the multilayer film comprises a release layer and one or more layer-by-layer films. In some embodiments, a structure comprising a microneedle substrate and a multilayer film coated on at least portion of the microneedle substrate, wherein the multilayer film comprises an agent for delivery.

Abstract: Lipid conjugates for enhanced delivery of cargo to the lymph nodes are disclosed. The lipid conjugates typically include three domains: a lipophilic domain that binds to albumin, a polar block domain, and a cargo such as a molecular adjuvant or immunostimulatory compound (such as an oligonucleotide) or antigenic peptide. Depending on the cargo, the length and compositions of the polar block can be tailored to push the equilibrium toward albumin binding, stable micelle formation, or cell insertion. The conjugates can be administered to a subject, for example, a subject with cancer or an infection, to induce or enhance a robust immune response in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of constructing an integrated artificial immune system that comprises appropriate in vitro cellular and tissue constructs or their equivalents to mimic the normal tissues that interact with vaccines in mammals. The artificial immune system can be used to test the efficacy of vaccine candidates in vitro and thus, is useful to accelerate vaccine development and testing drug and chemical interactions with the immune system.

Abstract: A terpolymer of a hydrophobic polymer, for example, methyl methacrylate, a hydrophilic polymer, for example, poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate, and a polymer having a sidegroup that is photocleavable to produce a carboxyl side chain, for example, o-nitrobenzyl methacrylate, is employed as a photoresist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of constructing an integrated artificial immune system that comprises appropriate in vitro cellular and tissue constructs or their equivalents to mimic the normal tissues that interact with vaccines in mammals. The artificial immune system can be used to test the efficacy of vaccine candidates in vitro and thus, is useful to accelerate vaccine development and testing drug and chemical interaction with the immune system.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to an array of non-adhesive cells, comprising a polymeric substrate, an array of a graft copolymer bound to the polymeric substrate, an antibody bound to the polymeric substrate in an area of the polymeric substrate not covered by the graft copolymer, and a non-adhesive cell bound to the antibody. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of preparing an array of non-adhesive cells, comprising depositing an array of a graft copolymer upon a polymeric substrate; binding an antibody to an area of the polymeric substrate not covered by the graft copolymer; and binding a non-adhesive cell to the antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating immune responses to antigens. One aspect of the present invention relates to a particle-based antigen delivery system (vaccination node) that comprises a hydrogel particle capable of both antigen presentation and DC activation. The VN may further comprise a chemoattractant-loaded microsphere capable of attracting DCs to the site of administration. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the VN to modulate antigen presenting cells activation for the prevention and/treatment of various diseases, such as infectious diseases, cancers and autoimmune diseases.