Optimizing transferrin-mediated transcytosis

Researchers at the California Institute of Technology have shown how modulating the transferrin content on gold nanoparticles can optimize their delivery into the brain via the transferrin receptor.¹ The group now needs to determine whether its strategy will translate to drug-nanoparticle conjugates amenable for use in the CNS.

The normal function of the transferrin receptor is to engage with transferrin to bring the iron-binding protein into cells that express the receptor. In the endothelial cells that line the vasculature of the brain, the receptor helps shuttle transferrin from one side of the blood brain barrier (BBB) to the other-a process called receptor-mediated transcytosis.²...