Cell targeting

Compound Microbial target Cell target Antibiotic Mechanism of synergy Refs. 

Figure 20. Selective cell targeting via specific monoclonal antibodies and/or antibody fragments directed against cancer cells and linked to the free amino groups of L-cysteine-coated metallic-core magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) (MNP = Co, Fe/Co, size 8-10 nm).

In a different way, metallic-core nanoparticles [346-349] (prepared cf. Section 3.10) equipped with biocompatible coats such as L-cysteine or dextrane may be exploited for highly efficient and cell-specific cancer cell targeting, i.e., for improving diagnosis and therapy of human cancer. In a recent proof-of-principle experiment an unexpectedly low toxicity of the L-cysteine-covered cobalt nanoparticles was demonstrated [433] For diagnostic purposes, it is expected to use the advantageous magnetic properties of the metallic-core nanoparticles to obtain a contrast medium for MRI with considerably increased sensitivity, capable to detect micro-metastases in the environment of healthy tissues [434 37]. 

Probert L, Keffer J, Corbella P, et al. Wasting, ischemia, and lymphoid abnormalities in mice expressing T cell-targeted human tumor necrosis factor transgenes. J Immunol 1993 151(4) 1894—1906. 

The initial approach to gene therapy involved manipulation of gene expression ex vivo. Toward this end, the desired target cells are identified and subsequently removed from the subject, transfected in vitro, then reintroduced into the patient. A number of protocols have been established for the ex vivo transfection of a wide variety of cell types. This method allows specific cell targeting and high transfection efficiency. However, the process is time consuming, complex, and costly. Additionally, the method is not applicable to all situations, such as those in which an immediate modification is required. 

Molecular communication is the characteristic information system in the bioinformation networks. The endocrine system, which is one of intermolecular information networks, may represent the feature of molecular communication. The gland is a collection of specialized cells that synthesize, store, and release hormones. A hormone, molecular information, is released into the extracellular fluid and transported via the blood to two types of cells target cells where the hormone acts, and other cells that degrade the hormone as schematically presented in Fig.l. In some systems the target cell and the degradation site are in the same organ or even the same cell. Both activities may even be located on the same plasma membrane. The receptor for the hormone is located on the surface of the plasma membrane. 

Cell potential, 9 607-609 standard, 75 750 Cell Saver, 3 719 Cells, encapsulation of, 76 454 Cell sorting, microfluidics in, 26 971-972 Cell-specific dendritic carriers, 26 797 Cell targeting, dendrimers in, 26 797-798 Cell thermo stating, 73 426 Cellular components inducers, herbicide damage to, 73 297-298 Cellular damage, in aging, 2 810 Cellular diseases, yeast as a model for, 26 496-497... 

See also Luminescent dendrimers antibacterial, 26 799 biocompatibility studies of, 26 800-801 in catalysis, 26 805-806 in cell targeting, 26 797-798 as chelators, 26 806-807 core and interior shells of, 26 789 cytotoxicity of, 26 800-801 in drug delivery, 26 792-795 in gene transfection, 26 791-792 as imaging agents, 26 795-797 luminescent, 26 801-804 medical applications of, 26 791-801 micelle-mimetic behavior of, 26 789 multiphoton applications of, 26 803-804... 

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