TARGETED CARRIERS FOR DRUG DELIVERY ACROSS THE GASTROINTESTINAL EPITHELIUM

A system and method for transcellular transport of compositions containing agents (e.g., research, analytical, reporter or molecular probes, diagnostic and therapeutic agents, biologically active agents, research agents, analytical agents, imaging agents, monitoring agents, enzymes, proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, lipids, sugars, hormones, lipoproteins, chemicals, viruses, bacteria, cells, including modified cells, biosensors, markers, antibodies and/or ligands) across the gastrointestinal epithelial layer including use of a composition containing the agent and a targeting moiety, specific for a determinant at the target location. An exemplary composition of the system includes an anti-ICAM antibody targeting moiety, specific for targeting ICAM-1. The system enables effective, versatile, and safe targeting and transport of agents. The system is useful in research applications, as well as in the context of translational science and clinical interventions.