Toward enzyme-responsive polymersome drug delivery

In drug delivery, enzyme-responsive drug carriers are becoming increasingly relevant because of the growing association of disease pathology with enzyme overexpression. Polymersomes are of interest to such applications because of their tunable properties. While polymersomes open up a wide range of chemical and physical properties to explore, they also present a challenge in developing generalized rules for the synthesis of novel systems. Motivated by this issue, in this perspective, we summarize the existing knowledge on enzyme-responsive polymersomes and outline the main design choices. Then, we propose heuristics to guide the design of novel systems. Finally, we discuss the potential of an integrated approach using computer simulations and experimental studies to streamline this design process and close the existing knowledge gaps.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme overexpression in myelocytes enhances the immune response

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays an important role in blood pressure control. ACE also has effects on renal function, reproduction, hematopoiesis, and several aspects of the immune response. ACE 10/10 mice overexpress ACE in monocytic cells; macrophages from ACE 10/10 mice demonstrate increased polarization toward a proinflammatory phenotype. As a result, ACE 10/10 mice have a highly effective immune response following challenge with melanoma, bacterial infection, or Alzheimer disease. As shown in ACE 10/10 mice, enhanced monocytic function greatly contributes to the ability of the immune response to defend against a wide variety of antigenic and non-antigenic challenges.