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Folate Receptor Positive Macrophages: Cellular Targets for Imaging and Therapy of Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

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Targeted Drug Strategies for Cancer and Inflammation

Abstract

FRβ constitutes a unique and selective marker for activated human ­monocytes and macrophages. Based on numerous criteria, most FR+ macrophages appear to be highly inflammatory and important in the development/maintenance of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, however, some appear to be activated and anti-inflammatory. Inflammatory pathologies in which FR+ macrophages are commonly enriched include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, atherosclerosis, sarcoidosis, glomerulonephritis, osteoarthritis, organ transplant rejection, ulcerative colitis, Sjogren’s syndrome, diabetes, ischemia/reperfusion injury, impact trauma, microbial infection, prosthesis osteolysis, liver steatosis, and multiple sclerosis. Folate-targeted imaging agents have proven useful in identifying, localizing, and quantifying sites of inflammation in both human patients and animal models of the above diseases. Folate-targeted therapeutic agents offer great promise for the development of highly potent, nontoxic treatment modalities for the same diseases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA

    Philip S. Low

Authors
  1. Michael J. Hansen
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  2. Philip S. Low
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Correspondence to Philip S. Low .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Medicine, Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Road 15, Sutton, SM2 5NG, United Kingdom

    Ann L. Jackman

  2. Endocyte Inc., Kent Avenue 3000, West Lafayette, 47906, Indiana, USA

    Christopher P. Leamon

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Hansen, M.J., Low, P.S. (2011). Folate Receptor Positive Macrophages: Cellular Targets for Imaging and Therapy of Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases. In: Jackman, A., Leamon, C. (eds) Targeted Drug Strategies for Cancer and Inflammation. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8417-3_9

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