Potential use of non-classical pathways for the transport of macromolecular drugs

Since an increasing number of drug delivery strategies utilising proteins and peptides exhibiting ‘non-classical’ transport activities have been proposed, studies have begun to establish underlying functional relationships between different vectors. These attempts to find common factors have been hampered by a lack of biophysical data for the various potential protein and peptide transporters, as well as by the structural and functional diversity of the group as a whole. We describe the various types of vectors being considered for use and the preliminary therapeutic successes that have been achieved. Additionally, the various models that have been proposed for non-classical import and export are outlined and discussed in relation to therapeutic delivery. Possible future developments are also discussed.