Vectorial delivery of macromolecules into cells using peptide-based vehicles.
The ability to direct the import of therapeutic agents into cells and target them to specific organelles would greatly enhance their functional efficacy. The available spectrum of peptide-based import signals and intracellular routing signals might provide practical solutions towards achieving a guided or vectorial delivery of molecules. Multiple cell-targeting signals and routing domains can be efficiently displayed on branched peptides. These constructs are typically nonimmunogenic in the absence of adjuvant and can be easily assembled using solid phase synthesis. The vectorial delivery of larger complexes, however, will necessitate the development of alternate templates that favor the optimal presentation of all functional signals.
Gariépy
J
J
Dept of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 610 University Ave, Toronto M5G 2M9, Canada. gariepy@uhnres.utoronto.ca
Kawamura
K
K
D002467:Cell Nucleus; D004337:Drug Carriers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D008954:Models, Biological; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D021381:Protein Transport; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D004337:Drug Carriers; D010455:Peptides; D011506:Proteins