Targeted therapy for viral hepatitis

Abstract The presence of asialoglycoprotein receptors on hepatocytes has been used to target a variety of substances to hepatocytes. Chemical coupling of biologically active agents can result in specific delivery to these cells. In addition, the use of asialoglycoprotein-based conjugates that can bind nucleic acids raises the possibility of targeted delivery of antisense molecules. Concepts and results of receptor-mediated targeting to hepatocytes for the treatment of viral hepatitis are reviewed.