M cell-targeted delivery of vaccines and therapeutics.
BACKGROUND
M (microfold or membranous) cells are specialised epithelial cells responsible for antigen sampling at the interface of mucosal surfaces and the environment. Their high transcytotic ability make M cells an attractive target for mucosally delivered vaccines and therapeutics.


OBJECTIVE
This brief review discusses the current state of M cell-targeted mucosal delivery systems and the potential of such delivery systems for the development of new vaccines and therapeutics against mucosal infectious and inflammatory diseases.


METHODS
A variety of synthetic microparticles/nanoparticles have been developed and tested as vehicles for M cell-targeted mucosal drug and vaccine delivery. beta1 integrins, pathogen recognition receptors, specific carbohydrate residues and other M cell surface antigens have been exploited as potential targets for the delivery of mucosal vaccines and therapeutics.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite a considerable body of literature, much work still needs to be done before an effective M cell-targeted vaccine or therapeutic is developed.
Institute for Biological Sciences, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada,
Rhonda
R
Kuolee
Wangxue
W
Chen
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D007167:Immunotherapy; D019012:Integrin beta1 / Q000378:metabolism; D037102:Lectins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010581:Peyer's Patches / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014612:Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D019012:Integrin beta1; D037102:Lectins; D014612:Vaccines