Biomimetic proteolipid vesicles for targeting inflamed tissues

Nat Mater. 2016 Sep;15(9):1037-46. doi: 10.1038/nmat4644. Epub 2016 May 23.

Abstract

A multitude of micro- and nanoparticles have been developed to improve the delivery of systemically administered pharmaceuticals, which are subject to a number of biological barriers that limit their optimal biodistribution. Bioinspired drug-delivery carriers formulated by bottom-up or top-down strategies have emerged as an alternative approach to evade the mononuclear phagocytic system and facilitate transport across the endothelial vessel wall. Here, we describe a method that leverages the advantages of bottom-up and top-down strategies to incorporate proteins derived from the leukocyte plasma membrane into lipid nanoparticles. The resulting proteolipid vesicles-which we refer to as leukosomes-retained the versatility and physicochemical properties typical of liposomal formulations, preferentially targeted inflamed vasculature, enabled the selective and effective delivery of dexamethasone to inflamed tissues, and reduced phlogosis in a localized model of inflammation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetic Materials / metabolism*
  • Drug Carriers / metabolism*
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Leukocytes / cytology
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Proteolipids / metabolism*

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Proteolipids