LC-TDS

LC-TDS: The Langerhans Cell Targeted Delivery System

Easy-to-use, without injuries and highly specific – a minimal-invasive application of targeted nanoparticles.

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The immune system protects our body against bacteria, viruses and other external threats to our health. A central role play dendritic cells (DCs), which recognise such pathogens, process them and train other immune cells to act against them. At the same time, DCs are also responsible tolerating the body’s own structures (autoantigens). This complex interaction is achieved by an „orchestra“ of different types of DCs.

Cutanos aims to use these mechanisms to develop both vaccines and therapies against autoimmune diseases and allergies. This is made possible by the LC-TDS, the Langerhans Cell Targeted Delivery System, which presents antigens to the immune system via just one type of DCs (Langerhans cells, LCs). The state of the LCs is decisive for the control of the immune response: if they are activated, a vaccination effect is achieved; if they remain inactive, tolerance is induced.

HOW IT WORKS

HOW IT WORKS

or how a small molecule ligand brings the system to its destination

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Through this first-of-a-kind targeted delivery approach, the LC-TDS is hardly taken up by off-target cells, which promises significant dose sparing and potentially fewer side effects.

Cutanos’ LC-TDS differs from all other immunomodulating technologies due to its modular design allowing flexible adaptation for different applications. This further results in a high compatibility with other technologies. Another major advantage is the injury-free administration via the skin through minimally invasive microneedles or microinjectors, which increases application safety and patients compliance.

FIRST OF ITS KIND

FIRST OF ITS KIND

Providing exclusive access to immune cells in the epidermis

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Cutanos achieves direct and minimally invasive antigen delivery to Langerhans cells via the skin – No complex and cost-intensive ex vivo loading of dendritic cells (DCs) is required!

Our LC-TDS technology also avoids the disadvantages of antibody-based targeting approaches (e.g. side effects, high production costs and blocking of the receptor for continuous antigen uptake): Due to its design, the LC-TDS mimics a natural pathogen and is processed as such by the Langerhans cells. It can be flexibly combined with various antigens and nanoparticles – often a bottleneck in non-modularly constructed drugs. This gives the LC-TDS a decisive advantage especially in vaccine development against seasonal viral pathogens (e.g. influenza or corona viruses).