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Therapeutic targeting strategies using endogenous cells and proteins
Neha N Parayath1, Mansoor M Amiji1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Summary
Leveraging natural biological components for targeted drug delivery offers a safer alternative to synthetic methods. This review explores using cells and plasma proteins for efficient, site-specific therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pharmacology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Targeted drug delivery is crucial for improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing toxicity.
- Current passive and active targeting strategies face challenges like immunogenicity and toxicity upon clinical translation.
- Endogenous targeting systems are emerging as a promising alternative for safer drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for utilizing endogenous moieties as safe and efficient carriers for targeted drug delivery.
- To explore the potential of cells, cellular components, and plasma proteins as natural drug carriers.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on endogenous targeting systems for drug delivery.
- Analysis of cellular and plasma components as potential drug carriers.
- Discussion of biological tropism and newer generation delivery strategies.
Main Results:
- Cells and cellular components can be employed as endogenous carriers for therapeutics across various diseases.
- Endogenous plasma components also show potential as carriers for targeted drug delivery.
- Understanding biological tropism is key to developing effective endogenous delivery strategies.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous targeting systems offer a safer and potentially more effective approach to site-specific drug delivery.
- Further research into biological tropism and endogenous carriers can facilitate clinical translation of targeted therapies.
- Exploiting natural biological mechanisms promises improved solutions for disease treatment.
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