Cancer vaccines have shown little success in clinic. Dendritic cells (DCs) are of particular interest in cancer vaccination due to their role in cell-mediated immunity. Active targeting of DCs, through PLGA nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) decorated with ligands for DC-expressed mannose receptor (MR) can enhance internalization, processing and presentation of antigens and subsequent immnuostimulation. In this study we have shown PLGA-NPs decorated with mannan and the synthetic hydrophobized mannan, especially those with covalent attachment, can target DCs leading to increased uptake of nanoparticles and DC maturation. This approach may be used for improved delivery of antigens and adjuvants to DCs and development of more efficient cancer vaccines. Moreover, significant progress in cancer vaccination requires immunomonitoring. Live imaging using a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) probe encapsulated in PLGA-NPs can elucidate dynamics of recruitment and fate of DCs to develop successful vaccines. The PET-nanoprobe prepared by radio-iodinated 5-IDFPdR demonstrated uncontrolled high burst release implying low quality images. / Pharmaceutical Sciences

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