title: Cell-specific aptamer-mediated targeted drug delivery.
abstract: Nucleic acid aptamers are in vitro-selected small, single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that can specifically recognize their target on the basis of their unique 3-dimensional structures. Recent advances in the development of escort aptamers to deliver and enhance the efficacy of other therapeutic agents have drawn enthusiasm in exploiting cell-type-specific aptamers as drug delivery vehicles. This review mainly focuses on the recent developments of aptamer-mediated targeted delivery systems. We also place particular emphasis on aptamers evolved against cell membrane receptors and possibilities for translation to clinical applications.
authors.affiliation: Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA.
authors.forename: Jiehua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Rossi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002460:Cell Line; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009928:Organ Specificity; D052156:SELEX Aptamer Technique; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide