Targeting monocyte and macrophage subpopulations for immunotherapy: a patent review (2009 - 2013).
BACKGROUND
Monocytes and macrophages are heterogeneous populations of effector cells in the innate immune system. Once thought to be obligatory precursors for macrophages, monocytes are now known to have several distinct sub-populations and their own independent functions. This separation of the two lineages has opened new therapeutic avenues in inflammation and created new technologies targeting the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS).


METHODS
A search of Google Patents and PatentScope has revealed numerous patents targeting monocytes and macrophages. This review will focus on seven patents from 2009 to 2013, utilizing autologous monocyte and macrophage adoptive transfer, genetic manipulation of the MPS, therapeutic nanoparticles and liposomes or combinations of these strategies. Patents that target monocyte recruitment are also briefly reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
While monocyte and macrophage targeting has yielded some promising results in animal models, these often fail to translate well to successful clinical trials. The paradigm of how cells in the MPS interact and evolve is constantly being updated, and caution must be exercised in developing immunomodulatory agents until this relationship is better understood.
Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Inflammation , London, W12 ONN , UK k.woollard@imperial.ac.uk.
William D
WD
Jackson
Kevin J
KJ
Woollard
D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D009000:Monocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D010330:Patents as Topic
D007155:Immunologic Factors
immunology; inflammation; macrophage; monocyte; patent