title: Drug-Free Macromolecular Therapeutics--A New Paradigm in Polymeric Nanomedicines.
abstract: This review highlights a unique research area in polymer-based nanomedicine designs. Drug-free macromolecular therapeutics induce apoptosis of malignant cells by the crosslinking of surface non-internalizing receptors. The receptor crosslinking is mediated by the biorecognition of high-fidelity natural binding motifs (such as antiparallel coiled-coil peptides or complementary oligonucleotides) that are grafted to the side chains of polymers or attached to targeting moieties against cell receptors. This approach features the absence of low-molecular-weight cytotoxic compounds. Here, we summarize the rationales, different designs, and advantages of drug-free macromolecular therapeutics. Recent developments of novel therapeutic systems for B-cell lymphomas are discussed, as well as relevant approaches for other diseases. We conclude by pointing out various potential future directions in this exciting new field.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Center for Controlled Chemical Delivery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
authors.forename: Te-Wei
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Center for Controlled Chemical Delivery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA ; Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
authors.forename: Jindřich
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kopeček
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000628:therapy; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000379:methods; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011108:Polymers