Folate-conjugated liposomes target and deliver therapeutics to immune cells in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Poh, Scott; Chelvam, Venkatesh; Kelderhouse, Lindsay E; Ayala-López, Wilfredo; Vaitilingam, Balasubramanian; Putt, Karson S; Low, Philip S
• Is Part Of: Nanomedicine. Volume 12:Number 20(2017)
• Page Start: 2441
• Page End: 2451
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: activated macrophages -- arthritis -- folate liposome -- folate receptor -- folate targeting -- inflammatory disease -- liposome; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0166
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-5889

Abstract

Aim: We endeavored to create a folate-targeted liposome (Fol-liposome) that could selectively target areas of inflammation.Materials & methods: Fol-liposomes were prepared with encapsulated DiD fluorophore or betamethasone (BM) to image and treat an adjuvant-induced rat model of rheumatoid arthritis.Results: Fol-liposomes selectively accumulated in arthritic rat paws to a greater extent than nontargeted liposomes. When these Fol-liposomes were used to encapsulate BM and administered to arthritic rats, animals exhibited less paw swelling, lower arthritis scores, a reduction in bone erosion, less splenomegaly and better maintenance of body weight when compared with nontreated or nontargeted BM-containing liposome groups.Conclusion: Fol-liposomes can selectively deliver imaging and therapeutic agents to sites of inflammation in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis.