In the lab we use a variety of artificial antigen presenting platforms. These can be grouped into two large categories: artificial Antigen Presenting Cells, aAPC, and artificial injectable Lymph Nodes, aLN.
A) aAPC themselves can be further broadly characterized by their:
- Base material composition- biodegradable, such as PLGA and alginate, or non-biodegradable, such as dextran coated iron particles
- Size and shape- micros versus nanos or round versus ellipsoidal
- Ligands and ability to carry payloads- such as PLGA
B) aLN can also be broadly characterized by their:
- Base composition- hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels or composite hydrogels
- Ability to be implanted intact or particulated
- Porosity
- Cytokine support
