| 摘要 |
This invention provides reagents and methods for specifically delivering antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds, drugs and agents to phagocytic mammalian cells. The invention also relates to specific delivery to and uptake of such compounds by phagocytic cells. The invention specifically relates to reagents and methods for facilitating the entry of antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds, drugs and agents into phagocytic cells. The invention specifically provides compositions of matter and pharmaceutical embodiments of such compositions comprising such antibiotic, antimicrobial or antiviral compounds, drugs and agents conjugated to, impregnated with or coated onto particulate carriers generally termed microparticles. In particular embodiments, the antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds, drugs and agents are covalently linked to a microparticle via a specifically-degradable linker molecule which is the target of a microorganism-specific protein having enzymatic activity. Also provided are porous microparticles impregnated with antibiotic, antimicrobial or antiviral compounds, drugs and agents wherein the surface or outside extent of the microparticle is covered with a degradable coating that is specifically degraded within an infected phagocytic mammalian cell. Also provided are nonporous microparticles coated with antibiotic, antimicrobial or antiviral compounds, drugs and agents and further coated wherein the surface or outside extent of the microparticle is covered with a degradable coating that is specifically degraded within an infected phagocytic mammalian cell. Thus, the invention provides cell targeting of drugs wherein the targeted drug is only released in cells infected with a particular microorganism. Methods of inhibiting, attenuating, arresting, combating and overcoming microbial infection of phagocytic mammalian cells in vivo and in vitro, especially cells infected with tuberculosis-causing and other Mycobacterium species microorganisms, are also provided.
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