Immunomodulatory Therapy of Inflammatory Liver Disease Using Selectin-Binding Glycopolymers

Abstract

) or Concanavalin A (ConA)-based hepatitis. Its sulfated counterpart, on the other hand, induced a decrease in infiltrating and resident macrophages, increased T helper cells, and aggravated immune-mediated liver injury. We demonstrate that, in the context of selectin-binding glycopolymers, minor modifications strongly impact leukocyte influx and macrophage activation, thereby ameliorating or aggravating liver inflammation depending on the underlying immunopathology. The nonsulfated random glycopolymer is a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory disease. The modulation of hepatic immune cells by selectin-binding glycopolymers might breach the immunosuppressive hepatic microenvironment and could improve efficacy of immunotherapies for inflammatory disease and cancer.