Drug-Free Macromolecular Therapeutics--A New Paradigm in Polymeric Nanomedicines.

ABSTRACT: This review highlights a unique research area in polymer-based nanomedicine designs. Drug-free macromolecular therapeutics induce apoptosis of malignant cells by the crosslinking of surface non-internalizing receptors. The receptor crosslinking is mediated by the biorecognition of high-fidelity natural binding motifs (such as antiparallel coiled-coil peptides or complementary oligonucleotides) that are grafted to the side chains of polymers or attached to targeting moieties against cell receptors. This approach features the absence of low-molecular-weight cytotoxic compounds. Here, we summarize the rationales, different designs, and advantages of drug-free macromolecular therapeutics. Recent developments of novel therapeutic systems for B-cell lymphomas are discussed, as well as relevant a

SUBMITTER: Chu TW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4505834 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature