Promises and pitfalls of intracellular delivery of proteins

Bioconjug Chem. 2014 Sep 17;25(9):1602-8. doi: 10.1021/bc500320j. Epub 2014 Sep 2.

Abstract

The direct delivery of functional proteins into the cell cytosol is a key issue for protein therapy, with many current strategies resulting in endosomal entrapment. Protein delivery to the cytosol is challenging due to the high molecular weight and the polarity of therapeutic proteins. Here we review strategies for the delivery of proteins into cells, including cell-penetrating peptides, virus-like particles, supercharged proteins, nanocarriers, polymers, and nanoparticle-stabilized nanocapsules. The advantages and disadvantages of these approaches including cytosolar delivery are compared and contrasted, with promising pathways forward identified.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Space / metabolism*
  • Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Proteins