SILICON DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR USE FOR VACCINATION

摘要

The invention relates to ultra-small, monodisperse nanoparticles of silicon dioxide with at least one antigen attached to their surface. The nanoparticles can be used for the immunoprophylaxis or immunotherapy of cancer. The invention also provides a method of targeting antigens at antigen-presenting cells and of activating the immune system, the efficiency of targeting and/or immune activation being adjusted via the particle characteristics. The invention also relates to methods of active and passive immunization of a mammal.