Targeting Endothelial Cell Surface Receptors: Novel Mechanisms of Microvascular Endothelial Barrier Transport

Abstract

The delivery of novel biological therapeutic agents across the vascular endothelial barrier (such as monoclonal antibodies targeting specific receptors; e.g., anti-epithelial derived growth factor receptor antibody) represents a major challenge in drug delivery. The situation becomes even more complex in protein delivery across the much more restrictive bloodbrain barrier. In studying endothelial barrier function, we have identified new mechanisms of delivery of biologic therapeutics. Maximum anti-tumor effects or other protective effects of the specific protein thus can be achieved at doses below the maximum tolerated dose. In this review, I summarize below some of key recent development in this area with emphasis on our work.