Targeting cell adhesion molecules with nanoparticles using invivo and flow-based invitro models of atherosclerosis.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death worldwide; in addition to lipid dysfunction, chronic arterial wall inflammation is a key component of atherosclerosis. Techniques that target cell adhesion molecules, which are overexpressed during inflammation, are effective methods to detect and treat atherosclerosis. Specifically, research groups have identified vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, and selectins (E-selectin and P-selectin) as correlated to atherogenesis. In this review, we discuss recent strategies both invivo and invitro that target cell adhesion molecules. First, we discuss peptide-based and antibody (Ab)-based nanoparticles utilized invivo for diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic applications. Second, we discuss flow-based invitro models that serve to reduce the traditional disadvantages of invivo studies such as variability, time to develop the disease, and ethical burden, but preserve physiological relevance. The knowledge gained from these targeting studies can be translated into clinical solutions for improved detection, prevention, and treatment of atherosclerosis. Impact statement As atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of death, there is an urgent need to develop better tools for treatment of the disease. The ability to improve current treatments relies on enhancing the accuracy of invitro and invivo atherosclerotic models. While invivo models provide all the relevant testing parameters, variability between animals and among models used is a barrier to reproducible results and comparability of NP efficacy. Invitro cultures isolate cells into microenvironments that fail to take into account flow separation and shear stress, which are characteristics of atherosclerotic lesions. Flow-based invitro models provide more physiologically relevant platforms, bridging the gap between invivo and 2D invitro models. This is the first review that presents recent advances regarding endothelial cell-targeting using adhesion molecules in light of invivo and flow-based invitro models, providing insights for future development of optimal strategies against atherosclerosis.