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Figure 2 | Molecular and Cellular Therapies

Figure 2

From: Harnessing RNAi nanomedicine for precision therapy

Figure 2

A graphic representation of the potential mechanisms, by which nanoparticles can deliver RNAi to tumors. Multi-functional lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs) co-encapsulated with chemotherapeutic drug (orange dots) and RNAi payloads are shown as illustrative nanoparticles. Passive tissue targeting is achieved by extravasation of nanoparticles through increased permeability of the tumor vasculature and ineffective lymphatic drainage (EPR effect). Active cellular targeting (inset) can be achieved by decorating the surface of nanoparticles with multiple targeting moieties that promote cell-specific recognition and binding. The nanoparticles can reach different tumor subpopulation concomitantly to ensure maximal therapeutic effect and release their contents in close proximity to the target cells, attach to the membrane of the cell and act as an extracellular sustained-release drug depot or internalize into the cell introducing their payload to cell cytoplasm. Red labeled cells – infiltrating macrophages that are acting as ‘nurse-like’ cells aiding the tumor by supplying survival cues to the tumor cells and nutrients for tumor growth.

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