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Carbohydrate-based materials for targeted delivery of drugs and genes to the liver

Marya Ahmed1, Ravin Narain2

  • 1Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.

Nanomedicine (London, England)
|July 28, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Targeting liver cells with specific drug delivery systems shows promise for treating liver diseases. Researchers explore glycosylated molecules to enhance drug and gene delivery to hepatocytes, hepatic stellate, and Kupffer cells.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Drug Delivery
  • Bioconjugation

Background:

  • Liver diseases like cirrhosis, hepatitis, and cancer result from toxic insults.
  • Drug accumulation in the liver poses a challenge for targeted therapy.
  • Current systemic drug clearance by the reticuloendothelial system limits therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss strategies for specific drug targeting to liver hepatocytes.
  • To explore the use of lectin-targeting agents for enhanced molecular delivery.
  • To review glycosylated gene and drug delivery vectors in clinical trials.

Main Methods:

  • Targeting asialoglycoprotein receptors on hepatocytes using high-affinity ligands.
  • Bioconjugation of drugs, fluorescent molecules, and gene vectors with lectin-targeting agents.
  • Evaluation of mannose and N-acetyl glucosamine conjugates for delivery to hepatic stellate and Kupffer cells.

Main Results:

  • Asialofetuin, N-acetyl glucosamine, and galactose identified as high-affinity ligands for asialoglycoprotein receptors.
  • Demonstrated potential for targeted delivery of conjugated molecules to liver cells.
  • Outlined the use of glycosylated vectors in ongoing clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • Specific targeting of liver cells via lectin-receptor interactions is feasible.
  • Glycosylation of drug and gene delivery systems offers a promising approach for liver-directed therapy.
  • Further development of these targeted delivery systems is crucial for managing liver diseases.
Keywords:
N-acetyl galactosamine-modified nanoparticlesN-acetyl glucosamine-modified nanoparticlesasialoglycoprotein receptorgalactosylated nanoparticlesglycolipidsglycopolymersglycyrrhetinic acid-modified nanoparticlesliver targetingmannosylated nanoparticles

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