Polymeric Nanomaterials for Islet Targeting and Immunotherapeutic Delivery

Here we report a proof-of-concept for development of pancreatic islet-targeting nanoparticles for immunomodulatory therapy of autoimmune type 1 diabetes. Modified with a unique islet-homing peptide, these polymeric nanomaterials exhibit 3-fold greater binding to islet endothelial cells and a 200-fold greater anti-inflammatory effect through targeted islet endothelial cell delivery of an immunosuppressant drug. Our findings also underscore the need to carefully tailor drug loading and nanoparticle dosage to achieve maximal vascular targeting and immunosuppression

Inhibition of Mammary Tumor Growth Using Lysyl Oxidase-Targeting Nanoparticles to Modify Extracellular Matrix

A cancer nanotherapeutic has been developed that targets the extracellular matrix (ECM)-modifying enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) and alters the ECM structure. Poly­(d,l-lactide-<i>co</i>-glycolide) nanoparticles (∼220 nm) coated with a LOX inhibitory antibody bind to ECM and suppress mammary cancer cell growth and invasion in vitro as well as tumor expansion in vivo, with greater efficiency than soluble anti-LOX antibody. This nanomaterials approach opens a new path for treating cancer with higher efficacy and decreased side effects

Inhibition of Mammary Tumor Growth Using Lysyl Oxidase-Targeting Nanoparticles to Modify Extracellular Matrix

A cancer nanotherapeutic has been developed that targets the extracellular matrix (ECM)-modifying enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) and alters the ECM structure. Poly­(d,l-lactide-<i>co</i>-glycolide) nanoparticles (∼220 nm) coated with a LOX inhibitory antibody bind to ECM and suppress mammary cancer cell growth and invasion in vitro as well as tumor expansion in vivo, with greater efficiency than soluble anti-LOX antibody. This nanomaterials approach opens a new path for treating cancer with higher efficacy and decreased side effects