Improving Tumor-Specific Drug Delivery: The Role of ADAM17 Inhibition in CD44-Targeted Nanoparticles

Introduction: Targeted Nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in cancer therapy, enabling drug delivery to tumors and limiting off-target effects. CD44, an overexpressed receptor in many cancers, is a promising target for tumor-specific NPs; however, their clinical application has faced significant challenges. Continuous cleavage of CD44 by the metalloproteinase ADAM17, limits the delivery efficiency of targeted NPs. This study investigates the effect of ADAM17 inhibition on the efficiency of CD44-targeted Hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated NPs, aiming to enhance their tumor specificity and therapeutic potential.