Current Strategies for the Delivery of Therapeutic Proteins and Enzymes to Treat Brain Disorders

Abstract

Brain diseases and injuries are growing to be one of the most deadly and costly medical conditions in the world. Unfortunately, current treatments are incapable of ameliorating the symptoms let alone curing the diseases. Many brain diseases have been linked to a loss of function in a protein or enzyme, increasing research for improving their delivery. This is no easy task due to the delicate nature of proteins and enzymes in biological conditions, as well as the many barriers that exist in the body ranging from those in circulation to the more specific barriers to enter the brain. Several main techniques are being used (physical delivery, protein/enzyme conjugates, and nanoparticle delivery) to overcome these barriers and create new therapeutics. This review will cover recently published data and highlights the benefits and deficits of possible new protein or enzyme therapeutics for brain diseases.

Keywords: BBB; Brain diseases; Brain targeting; Enzyme replacement therapy; Therapeutic proteins.