Nanoparticles developed to boost immunity

BBC : Researchers at Duke University have been working to develop synthetic nanoparticles that can boost the human body’s immune system. They have engineered tiny capsules that mimic mast cells—which respond to fight infections near the skin—by releasing a body chemical called tumor necrosis factor, which battles certain types of bacteria and viruses. The nanoparticles, when injected into mice simultaneously with a vaccine, have been shown to improve the infected animals’ survival rate. Soman Abraham and colleagues said different immune system chemicals could be added to the nanoparticles, depending on which vaccine will be used.