Ligand-targeted therapeutics

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Leserman, L., and Machy, P. (1987) Ligand targeting of liposomes. In Liposomes From Biophysics to Therapeutics (M.J. Ostro, ed.), pp. 157-194. Dekker, New York. 

Ikeda Y, Taira K (2006) Ligand-targeted delivery of therapeutic siRNA. Pharm Res 23 1631-1640... 

A significant challenge is the design of novel ligands for therapeutic targets in which the three-dimensional structure has been deter-... 

Gong, H. and Xie, W. (2004) Orphan nuclear receptors, PXR and LXR new ligands and therapeutic potential. Expert Opin. Ther. Targets 8, 49-54. 

The selection of a suitable molecular target is an essential step in the design of any ligand-based therapeutic. Tumor-associated markers are usually proteins or carbohydrates that are abnormally expressed or overexpressed in the tumor environment. Fundamental prerequisites of an ideal tumor-associated marker are specificity, abundance and stability, together with good accessibility for ligand molecules... 

The specific subtypes of the NnAChRs mediating the response of pulmonary sensory neurons to nicotine and their subunit compositions require further investigation. In view of the recent discoveries and developments of selective ligands targeting specific subunits of NnAChRs as the potential therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., dementia) (Gatto et al. 2004 Ray et al. 2004), their possible side effects on pulmonary sensory nerves and airway irritation certainly merit further investigation. 

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