Application of aptamers for targeted therapeutics

Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz). 2013 Aug;61(4):255-71. doi: 10.1007/s00005-013-0227-0. Epub 2013 Apr 7.

Abstract

Aptamers are short, single-stranded oligonucleotides that are isolated through a process termed systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment. With the advent of cell-based selection technology, aptamers can be selected to bind protein targets that are expressed on the cell surface. These aptamers demonstrate excellent specificity and high affinity toward their target proteins and are often internalized upon binding to their targets. This has opened up the possibility of using aptamers for cell-specific targeted drug delivery. In this review, we will discuss cell-surface protein targets, the aptamers that bind them, and their applications for targeted therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / metabolism*
  • Drug Carriers*
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • SELEX Aptamer Technique*

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Drug Carriers
  • Ligands
  • Membrane Proteins