Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a biodegradable particle comprising a polyester or polyester blend, a first protein that binds to an immune cell, and a second protein that promotes proliferation and/or activation of immune cells, and a third soluble protein or small molecule encapsulated within the particle. The second protein is a fusion protein comprising at least a portion of an antibody and at least a portion of a cytokine (i.e., an immunocytokine). The disclosure also is directed to methods for treating a disease or condition in a subject (e.g., an autoimmune disease) comprising administering the aforementioned biodegradable particle to the subject.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for targeted expansion of regulatory T cells (TRegS). For example, one or more single-chain antibody/cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokines) that can bind to a heterotrimeric receptor including an interleukin-2 receptor-?(IL-2R?) polypeptide, an interleukin-2 receptor-?(IL-2R?) polypeptide, and a common gamma chain (?c) polypeptide (e.g., an IL-2R?/IL-2R?/?c polypeptide complex) can be administered to a mammal to stimulate TRegS within the mammal to reduce or eliminate an immune response in that mammal. In some cases, methods and materials that can be used to treat a mammal having a condition that can benefit from reducing or eliminating an immune response within the mammal are provided. For example, one or more single-chain immunocytokines that can bind to an IL-2R?/IL-2R?/?c polypeptide complex can be administered to a mammal having a condition that can benefit from reducing or eliminating an immune response to treat the mammal.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a biodegradable particle comprising a polyester or polyester blend, a first protein that binds to an immune cell, and a second protein that promotes proliferation and/or activation of immune cells, and a third soluble protein or small molecule encapsulated within the particle. The second protein is a fusion protein comprising at least a portion of an antibody and at least a portion of a cytokine (i.e., an immunocytokine). The disclosure also is directed to methods for treating a disease or condition in a subject (e.g., an autoimmune disease) comprising administering the aforementioned biodegradable particle to the subject.