Nanoparticle delivery across epithelium via transcytosis: Hijacking Folate Receptors

摘要

This work assesses the potential of Folate Receptor (FR) in endocytosis/transcytosis of folate-modified polystyrene nanoparticles (model delivery systems) across epithelium as a mean to achieve mucosal delivery. An epithelial cell model based on a polarized bronchial epithelial cell line (Calu-3) was established and evaluated. The study demonstrates an involvement of the caveolar pathway in FR-dependent cell internalization of folate-modified nanoparticles; as judged from a significant reduction of the internalization in filipin (inhibitor) treated cells. Moreover, the work also shows evidence of transcytosis of folate-modified nanoparticles via caveolar pathway, since translocation of nanoparticles across the cell monolayer is absent when this path is inhibited.