Cytokine-capture nanoparticles to quantify IL-2 concentrations within the immunological synapse during T cell activation

The feasibility of bringing a nascent technology for detection and quantification of local cytokine concentrations on cell surfaces to market is presented in this paper. Quantum dots or fluorochrome-loaded nanoparticles are conjugated with antibodies for target analytes and with proteins that allow nanoparticle attachment to the surface of T cells. A second labeled monoclonal antibody is introduced to detect the presence of any captured-cytokines using 3D fluorescent microscopy or flow cytometry. Microscopy of DO.11 cells labeled with cytokinecapture particles have shown successful detection of exogenous IL2. A comparison of existing patents with cytokine-capture technology revealed that although each aspect of the device is covered by prior IP, the capabilities of the technology exceed the claimed uses of the individual components. A preliminary market research for cytokine-capture technology applications resulted in dismissing the immunoassay industry as a target market. However, T cell monitoring was identified as a far more lucrative industry.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2003

Author dc:creator

• Hong, Julee Y. (Julee Yang-A.), 1980-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Darrell J. Irvine.

• Materials Science and Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/28286

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/28286