VCAM-1-targeted nanoparticles to diagnose, monitor and treat atherosclerosis
Rita Castro1,2, James H Adair3,4,5, Andrea M Mastro
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Insights
Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is crucial in atherosclerosis, promoting immune cell uptake and disease progression. Targeting VCAM-1 with nanoplatforms offers potential for early detection and treatment of this vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Immunology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is an endothelial adhesion receptor involved in leukocyte recruitment and immune responses.
- VCAM-1 is highly expressed in the early stages of atherosclerosis, a major cause of death in the USA.
- VCAM-1 mediates the adhesion of circulating immune cells, promoting monocyte uptake and atherosclerotic lesion progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of VCAM-1 in atherosclerosis.
- To explore the use of VCAM-1 binding agents for nanoplatforms in atherosclerosis.
- To highlight VCAM-1 targeting for early detection and treatment of atherosclerotic disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on VCAM-1 function in atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of VCAM-1 binding peptides, antibodies, and aptamers as targeting agents.
- Discussion of nanoplatform applications for VCAM-1 targeting.
Main Results:
- VCAM-1 plays a significant role in the inflammatory processes of atherosclerosis.
- VCAM-1 binding agents (peptides, antibodies, aptamers) are viable targeting moieties.
- Nanoplatforms functionalized with VCAM-1 targeting agents show promise for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Conclusions:
- VCAM-1 is a key mediator in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- Targeting VCAM-1 with nanoplatforms represents a promising strategy for early atherosclerosis detection.
- VCAM-1 targeted nanomedicine offers potential therapeutic benefits for atherosclerotic disease.
Abstract:
Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was identified over 2 decades ago as an endothelial adhesion receptor involved in leukocyte recruitment and cell-based immune responses. In atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the blood vessels that is the leading cause of death in the USA, endothelial VCAM-1 is robustly expressed beginning in the early stages of the disease. The interactions of circulating immune cells with VCAM-1 on the activated endothelial cell surface promote the uptake of monocytes and the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in susceptible vessels. Herein, we review the role of VCAM-1 in atherosclerosis and the use of VCAM-1 binding peptides, antibodies and aptamers as targeting agents for nanoplatforms for early detection and treatment of atherosclerotic disease.
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