[Targeted delivery of erythrocytes to human aortic smooth muscle cells]

Monoclonal antibodies specific for surface antigens of target cells are supposed to be good vectors for drug transport. It is suggested using monoclonal antibodies that distinguish between smooth muscle and endothelial cells as vectors for directed drug transport to injured (denuded) areas of the blood vessel wall. The following in vitro model was used: monoclonal antibodies were added to cultured vascular smooth muscle or endothelial cells, this was followed by the addition of erythrocytes conjugated with rabbit antimouse antibodies. Spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy were used to assess the results. The erythrocytes, possible containers of drugs, under the experimental conditions were found to bind only to smooth muscle cells. The data obtained suggest that antibody IIG10 discriminating between smooth muscle and endothelial cells provides a specific tool for erythrocyte delivery to smooth muscle cells.