Oral Protein Delivery: Nanoassemblies for Targeted Treatment of Intestinal Diseases

Introduction: Oral administration of antibodies (Abs) is a promising strategy for treating gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, achieving effective Ab oral delivery faces major challenges: the acidic GI environment, digestive enzymes and the mucus barrier, triggering the degradation of Abs. Additionally, their large molecular size and hydrophilic nature hinder permeability through the intestinal epithelium [1]. The difficulty of this approach is highlighted by the fact that only two anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Ab inhibitors have reached the market [2].

Ana María López Estévez – Postdoctoral Researcher, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela; Noemí Gómez Lado – PhD, Senior Research Technician, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela; María Medel González – Postdoctoral Researcher, Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory and CIBERONC Prince Felipe Research Centre; María Jesus Vicent Docón – Principal Investigator, Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory and CIBERONC Prince Felipe Research Centre; Pablo Aguiar Fernández – Principal Investigator, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela; María José Alonso Fernández – Principal Investigator, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela