Lipoproteins—Opportunities for the Development of Nanotherapeutics in Chronic Disease

Dear Colleagues,

Lipoproteins are endogenous colloidal particles responsible for the transport of lipids through aqueous body fluids and consist of a lipophilic core surrounded by an outer layer of phospholipids, cholesterol and apolipoproteins. Due to their unique composition, lipoprotein particles can serve as drug carriers and their ability to bind to lipoprotein receptors can improve the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of drugs. For example, the upregulated expression of lipoprotein receptors such as the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) for high-density lipoproteins (HDL) on tumor cells and atherosclerotic plaques have made LDL and HDL lipoprotein particles a potential carrier for small molecule drugs to treat cancers and cardiovascular diseases. To date, therapeutic approaches utilizing drug-loaded native lipoproteins as well as synthesized lipoprotein-like nanoparticles have been developed. Although great advances have been made in recent years, there are still challenges in lipoprotein-based nanotherapy, such as the efficacy of drug loading, drug stability, transport kinetics and intracellular drug release after internalization. The purpose of this Special Issue is to collect the latest insights on the progress in the development of lipoprotein-based drug delivery systems and their therapeutic potential in the treatment of chronic diseases. Original research papers and review articles on these different areas are welcome.

Dr. Thomas Grewal
Guest Editor

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