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. beta-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.