Programmable Membrane-Mediated Attachment of Synthetic Virus-like Nanoparticles on Artificial Protocells for Enhanced Immunogenicity

The programming of protocells to implement and control the functions living cells through activated membrane receptor signaling remains a challenge for development protoliving technologies. Here, we report synthetic protocell capable inducing high levels macrophage activation in vitro. An immunogenic comprising hyaluronic acid (HA)-polymer decorated with virus-like particles derived from functionalization core-shell polymer nanoparticles Toll-like agonist (Pam3SK4) cell/protocell membrane-binding lectin (WGA) is fabricated. While non-decorated HA-based functionalized SVLPs alone initiate moderate activation, co-presentation WGA Pam3SK4 on results hyperactivation phagocytes via synergistic multi-receptor process. This work offers opportunities developing chemically programmable soft microscale agents eliciting cellular signal transduction genetic outputs provides step toward implementing future therapeutic strategies based cognate interactions at cell-protocell interface.