Macrophage-Targeted Therapeutics for Metabolic Disease

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2018 Jun;39(6):536-546. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.03.001. Epub 2018 Apr 5.

Abstract

Macrophages are cells of the innate immune system that are resident in all tissues, including metabolic organs such as the liver and adipose tissue (AT). Because of their phenotypic flexibility, they play beneficial roles in tissue homeostasis, but they also contribute to the progression of metabolic disease. Thus, they are ideal therapeutic targets for diseases such as insulin resistance (IR), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and atherosclerosis. Recently, discoveries in the area of drug delivery have facilitated phenotype-specific targeting of macrophages. In this review we discuss advances in potential therapeutics for metabolic diseases via macrophage-specific delivery. We highlight micro- and nanoparticles, liposomes, and oligopeptide complexes, and how they can be used to alter macrophage phenotype for a more metabolically favorable tissue environment.

Keywords: liposome; macrophage; metabolic disease; nanoparticle; obesity; therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Gene Expression / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / drug effects*
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Metabolic Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Metabolic Diseases / immunology
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations