title: Exploiting M cells for drug and vaccine delivery.
abstract: The specialised antigen sampling M cells represent an efficient portal for mucosal drug and vaccine delivery. Delivery may be achieved using synthetic particulate delivery vehicles including poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles and liposomes. M cell interaction of these delivery vehicles is highly variable, and is determined by the physical properties of both particles and M cells. Delivery may be enhanced by coating with reagents including appropriate lectins, microbial adhesins and immunoglobulins which selectively bind to M cell surfaces. Live attenuated microorganisms are also suitable as vaccines and mucosal vectors and many, including Salmonella typhimurium, innately target to M cells. After cell surface adhesion, delivery vehicles are rapidly transported across the M cell cytoplasm to underlying lymphoid cells and may subsequently disseminate via the lymphatics. Further definition of M cell development and function should permit exploitation of their high transcytotic capacity for safe and reliable mucosal delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiological Sciences, Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK. ann.clark@ncl.ac.uk
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Jepson
authors.forename: B H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Hirst
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000378:metabolism*; D014612:Vaccines / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D014612:Vaccines