Clostridial neurotoxins as a drug delivery vehicle targeting nervous system

Biochimie. 2010 Sep;92(9):1252-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2010.03.005. Epub 2010 Mar 24.

Abstract

Several neuronal disorders require drug treatment using drug delivery systems for specific delivery of the drugs for the targeted tissues, both at the peripheral and central nervous system levels. We describe a review of information currently available on the potential use of appropriate domains of clostridial neurotoxins, tetanus and botulinum, for effective drug delivery to neuronal systems. While both tetanus and botulinum neurotoxins are capable of delivering drugs the neuronal cells, tetanus neurotoxin is limited in clinical use because of general immunization of population against tetanus. Botulinum neurotoxin which is also being used as a therapeutic reagent has strong potential for drug delivery to nervous tissues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Botulinum Toxins / chemistry
  • Botulinum Toxins / metabolism
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Humans
  • Nervous System / drug effects
  • Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Tetanus Toxin / chemistry*
  • Tetanus Toxin / metabolism

Substances

  • Tetanus Toxin
  • Botulinum Toxins