Dendritic cell therapeutic targeting

Another recent study supports the use of the dendritic cell-based vaccine as a therapeutic strategy to target both CD4 and CD8 T cells to HER-2 (Chen et al., 2001). To minimize the possibility of deleterious effects, the transforming activity of the HER-2 molecule can be inactivated by a single amino acid substitution (lysine to alanine), unlike other studies in which the entire intracellular domain was removed. 

Research into the rational delivery and targeting of pharmaceutical, therapeutic, and diagnostic agents is at the forefront of projects in nanomedicine. These involve the identification of precise targets (cells and receptors) related to specific clinical conditions and choice of the appropriate nanocarriers to achieve the required responses while minimizing the side effects. Mononuclear phagocytes, dendritic cells, endothelial cells, and cancers (tumour cells, as well as tumour neovasculature) are key targets [280]. 

Sudowe S, Ludwig-Portugall I, Montermann E, et al. (2006). Prophylactic and therapeutic intervention in IgE responses by biolistic DNA vaccination primarily targeting dendritic cells. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 117 196-203. 

Interest in dendritic polymers (dendrimers) has grown steadily over the past decade due to use of these molecules in numerous industrial and biomedical applications. One particular class of dendrimers, Starburst polyamidoamine (PAMAM) polymers, a new class of nanoscopic, spherical polymers that appears safe and nonimmunogenic for potential use in a variety of therapeutic applications for human diseases. This chapter will focus on investigations into PAMAM dendrimers for in vitro and in vivo nonviral gene delivery as these studies have progressed from initial discoveries to recent animal trials. In addition, we will review other applications of dendrimers where the polymers are surface modified. This allows the opportunity to target-deliver therapeutics or act as competitive inhibitors of viral or toxin attachment to cells. 

---