title: Learning from biology: synthetic lipoproteins for drug delivery.
abstract: Synthetic lipoproteins represent a relevant tool for targeted delivery of biological/chemical agents (chemotherapeutics, siRNAs, photosensitizers, and imaging contrast agents) into various cell types. These nanoparticles offer a number of advantages for drugs delivery over their native counterparts while retaining their natural characteristics and biological functions. Their ultra-small size (<30 nm), high biocompatibility, favorable circulation half-life, and natural ability to bind specific lipoprotein receptors, i.e., low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and Scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SRB1) that are found in a number of pathological conditions (e.g., cancer, atherosclerosis), make them superior delivery strategies when compared with other nanoparticle systems. We review the various approaches that have been developed for the generation of synthetic lipoproteins and their respective applications in vitro and in vivo. More specifically, we summarize the approaches employed to address the limitation on use of reconstituted lipoproteins by means of natural or recombinant apolipoproteins, as well as apolipoprotein mimetic molecules. Finally, we provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches and discuss future perspectives for clinical translation of these nanoparticles.
authors.affiliation: DLVR Therapeutics Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Huang
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Cruz
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Gang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zheng
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D053769:Nanocapsules / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D008074:Lipoproteins; D053769:Nanocapsules