Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention provides a polymeric nanoparticle comprising at least one polycationic polymer; at least one polyanionic polymer; and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one therapeutic agent. In a second aspect, the invention provides a method for the preparation of a polymeric nanoparticle according to the first aspect; the method comprising the steps of: (i)admixing the at least one polyanionic polymer with the at least one therapeutic agent; and (ii) introducing to the mixture of (i), to the at least one polycationic polymer. In a third aspect, the invention provides a polymeric nanoparticle according to the first aspect of the present invention, or a polymeric nanoparticle prepared according to the second aspect of the present invention; for use in the treatment of an inflammatory and/or arthritic disorder caused by or associated with dysfunctional nuclear receptor signalling.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention provides a polymeric nanoparticle comprising at least one polycationic polymer; at least one polyanionic polymer; and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one therapeutic agent. In a second aspect, the invention provides a method for the preparation of a polymeric nanoparticle according to the first aspect; the method comprising the steps of: (i) admixing the at least one polyanionic polymer with the at least one therapeutic agent; and (ii) introducing to the mixture of (i), to the at least one polycationic polymer. In a third aspect, the invention provides a polymeric nanoparticle according to the first aspect of the present invention, or a polymeric nanoparticle prepared according to the second aspect of the present invention; for use in the treatment of an inflammatory and/or arthritic disorder caused by or associated with dysfunctional nuclear receptor signalling.

Abstract: A method of inducing either a TH1 polarised immune response, a TH2 polarised immune response or a combined TH1 and TH2 response to an antigen and associated vaccine formulations are disclosed. A method is provided for inducing a polarised TH1 response by parenteral administration of microparticles sized such that at least 50% of the microparticles are less than 5 ?m, the microparticles containing antigen entrapped or encapsulated by a biodegradable polymer. Additionally, a method is provided for inducing a polarised TH2 response by parenteral administration of nanoparticles sized such that at least 50% of the nanoparticles are less than 600 nm, the nanoparticles containing antigen entrapped or encapsulated by a biodegradable polymer. Vaccine formulations containing the B. pertussis antigens PTd, FHA or a combination of PTd and FHA are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of augmenting an epithelial mucosal barrier, by contacting the barrier with a topical composition. This invention also provides the topical composition. The topical composition comprises, dispersed or dissolved in a topically acceptable vehicle, at least one polymer containing either a repeat unit of structure 1 or a repeat unit of structure 2, or a mixture This method and composition are useful in improving mucosal barrier function by, for example, topical application to an exposed or injured epithelial surface or by coating a compromised mucosal barrier in, for example, inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: Methods of increasing of or decreasing the levels of a protein in a PP cell; methods of increasing antigen, vaccine, DNA vaccine delivery to M cells, use of human serum albumin and other transport enhancing proteins to enhance oral drug delivery; use of calreticulin to enhance oral antigen delivery, use of other cell surface proteins, receptors, and transporters to enhance delivery to M cells of antigens or vaccine delivery vehicles, use of other cytoplasmic proteins to regulate intracellular trafficking and delivery to mucosal immune sampling and processing systems.