Vector research group - 15th scientific meeting

The 15th Journées Scientifiques of the Groupe Thematique de Recherche sur les Vecteurs provided an overview of the various aspects of drug delivery systems. Copolymers of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) could be functionalized allowing the introduction of poly(ethylene) glycol side chains and ligands. Coupling of bispecific antibodies to radioactive compounds and carbohydrates to tris-(hydroxymethyl) acrylamidomethane telomers increased cell specificity. New polyhydroxy alkanoate polymers, used to prepare nanoparticles, were discussed. Promising results of a new helper lipid in the transfection of cells, fluorinated glycerophosphoethanolamine, were discussed, as was the ability of HIV protein R fragments to condensate and deliver nucleic acids. Spontaneously lysing strains of Shigella and Escherichia were reported to stably transfect cells for periods of up to 2 months. Coupling of lipid anchors to peptides allowed display at liposome surfaces, generating antibody responses to the exposed peptide loops. Long-circulating liposomes co-encapsulating synergistically acting antibiotics, showed high therapeutic efficacy in models of drug-resistant pneumonia. A long-circulating system consisting of nanoparticles with a hydrophobic core increased delivery of lipid soluble photosensitizers to tumors. Heparin was reported to be bioavailable after oral administration by use of encapsulation into nanoparticles. This review aims to show the most promising or furthest developed drug delivery systems presented at the meeting.