In situ self-assembly of peptides in glucan particles for macrophage-targeted oral delivery

In this study, an orally administered macrophage-targeting peptide delivery system was constructed through in situ self-assembly of Q11 peptide inside hollow glucan particles (GPs), which are approved by the FDA. The glucan shell efficiently protected the encapsulated peptide from enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. β-1,3-(d)-Glucan is recognized by the membrane receptor dectin-1, which is highly expressed by intestinal antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages. GPs are thus efficiently phagocytized by intestinal macrophages. This study is applicable to the pharmaceutical industry for the development of orally delivered macrophage-targeting systems for effective and personalized remedies like immunotherapeutic vaccines.