Proteins macromolecular carriers

Numerous experimental therapeutics have shown potency in vitro however, when they are tested in vivo, they often lack significant efficacy. This is often attributed to unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties and systemic toxicity, which limit the maximum tolerated dose. These limitations can be overcome by use of drug carriers. Two general types of carrier systems have been designed drug conjugation to macromolecular carriers, such as polymers and proteins and drug encapsulation in nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymersomes and micelles. 

All the aforementioned advantages and several additional features apply to ELP-based macromolecular carriers. First, ELP-based carriers are thermally responsive. Second, ELP is a biopolymer and therefore is nontoxic and biodegradable. Third, the gene-based synthesis of ELP allows the creation of genetic fusions with functional peptides and proteins, such as targeting sequences. 

Renal Delivery Using Macromolecular Carriers The Low Molecular Weight Protein Approach 135... 

Shen, W. C., Wan, J., Ekrami, H. (1992) Means to enhance penetration (3). Enhancement of polypeptide and protein absorption by macromolecular carriers via endocytosis and transcy-tosis. Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 8, 93-113. 

A substance that after injection into the body of a vertebrate induces a specific Ab synthesis, is called an Ag. Ags are principally macromolecules, for instance proteins, polysaccharides or nucleic acids. Synthetic polymers also belong to the antigens, i.e. they can be used as, or act as, Ags. Small molecules (haptens) such as pesticides have to be coupled to a macromolecular carrier to elicit an Ab response (see section 2.3). The ability of an Ab molecule to bind an Ag or a hapten specifically is controlled by structural and chemical interactions between the ligand and the Ab at the combining site. The Ag-Ab interaction is reversible and does not involve formation of covalent bonds. The binding is a result of a variety... 

A special group of carrier-linked prodrugs are the site-specific chemical delivery systems [23], Macromolecular prodrugs are synthetic conjugates of drugs covalently bound (either directly or via a spacer) to proteins, polypeptides, polysaccharides, and other biodegradable polymers [24],... 

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