Liver tolerogenic antigen-presenting cell (L-TAPC)

Liver tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells (L-TAPCs), primarily comprising liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and Kupffer cells, are specialized immune cells in the liver that maintain peripheral immune tolerance [2]. These cells are uniquely positioned to encounter blood-borne antigens and are programmed to present them in a manner that promotes T cell anergy, deletion, or the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) rather than an active immune response [1, 2]. This natural tolerogenic environment is exploited by therapeutic platforms using nanoparticle-mediated antigen delivery to treat autoimmune diseases and allergies [1, 4]. Nanoparticles are engineered to encapsulate specific antigens and are often surface-modified to target receptors such as the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR) or scavenger receptors (e.g., MARCO) on L-TAPCs [1, 2]. Upon uptake, the nanoparticles release the antigen, which is then processed and presented by the L-TAPCs to the systemic immune system, effectively re-training it to recognize the antigen as harmless [1, 6]. This approach aims to provide a durable, antigen-specific treatment that avoids the broad immunosuppression associated with conventional therapies [5, 6].

Other names

Hepatic tolerogenic antigen-presenting cellsLiver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs)Kupffer cellsLiver-resident antigen-presenting cellsTolerogenic hepatic APCs

Induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance by delivering antigens via nanoparticles to liver-resident antigen-presenting cells (LSECs and Kupffer cells), which present the antigens in a non-inflammatory context to promote T cell anergy, deletion, or the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs).