Nanomedicine development for autoimmune diseases

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases result from a dysfunctional immune system in which the body attacks its own organs, tissues, cells, and macromolecules. This group of diseases consists of more than 80 chronic diseases that often lead to disabilities. Targeting therapy for autoimmune diseases faces two major challenges: (1) identification of autoreactive cells that can be targeted for suppression; and (2) penetration through target tissues to specifically deliver drugs to the desired cells and thus to achieve sufficient therapeutic efficacy. Regarding the latter, multiple drug delivery approaches have been developed. In the present work, the current nanomedicine development strategies for the improved treatment of several common autoimmune diseases are reviewed. Drug Dev Res 72: 703-716, 2011.

Delivery strategies to control inflammatory response: Modulating M1–M2 polarization in tissue engineering applications

“…In this context, nanotechnology strategies can be highly useful. The various drug delivery approaches that have been proposed or assayed for the treatment of several common autoimmune diseases have been recently reviewed by Yuan et al [120]. For example, recent evidence indicates that type 2 diabetes is an inflammatory disease; thus, immunomodulation has been suggested as a viable strategic treatment approach [121].…”

Nanomedicine in rheumatology: A new field in the diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases

“…Improving the drug delivery carrier's bio-distribution may be attained by including immune-evading moieties and/ or affinity molecules that support attachment to biomarkers according to the level of needed selectivity [14]. The emergence of PEGylation techniques -involving polyethylene glycolsignificantly improved the targeting efficiency of colloidal delivery systems by reducing the RES uptake [15]. Using nanocarriers permits an enhanced site-specific drug delivery to areas of inflammation by boosting the penetration or changing the pH of inflamed tissues and by making use of monocytes as active targets for drug delivery [2].…”

“…Nanodelivery systems are able to reduce the drug dose and administration frequency by prolonging circulation time and increasing the metabolic stability of small molecules. Also, as a result of the enhanced vascular permeability in inflammation sites, nanocarriers can preferentially accumulate in arthritic joints [15]. The destructive nature of the disease with irreversible cartilage and bone damage, demonstrates the pressing need for a very early RA diagnosis.…”

“…More interestingly, a nanomedicine polymeric prodrug exhibited a superior and prolonged therapeutic efficacy in LN compared to free dexamethasone with reduction of the systemic side effects [15]. Excitingly, gold nanostructures have been successfully used in metastasis and pave the way for developing better strategies for rheumatic diseases [20].…”

“…Nanomedicines that clinically affecting up to 80% of SLE patients and is a leading cause of mortality. Glomerular mesangial cells are active targets and a novel immunoliposomal drug delivery system for LN is developed by surface modification with antibody against the alpha-8 subunit of integrin, which is expressed on the mesangial cell membrane [15].…”