Co-Opting Host Receptors for Targeted Delivery of Bioconjugates—From Drugs to Bugs
Abstract
Bioconjugation has allowed scientists to combine multiple functional elements into one biological or biochemical unit. This assembly can result in the production of constructs that are targeted to a specific site or cell type in order to enhance the response to, or activity of, the conjugated moiety. In the case of cancer treatments, selectively targeting chemotherapies to the cells of interest limit harmful side effects and enhance efficacy. Targeting through conjugation is also advantageous in delivering treatments to difficult-to-reach tissues, such as the brain or infections deep in the lung. Bacterial infections can be more selectively treated by conjugating antibiotics to microbe-specific entities; helping to avoid antibiotic resistance across commensal bacterial species. In the case of vaccine development, conjugation is used to enhance efficacy without compromising safety. In this work, we will review the previously mentioned areas in which bioconjugation has created new possibilities and advanced treatments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Mar 09, 2021
- Source ID
- 10.3390/molecules26051479
Entities
People
- Karsten R O Hazlett
- Kristen M. Tummillo
Organizations
- National Institutes of Health
- United States Department of Defense