Targeting fibroblast-like synovial cells at sites of inflammation with peptide targeted liposomes results in inhibition of experimental arthritis

•A synovium-specific targeted liposomal drug delivery system was developed.•This system was able to localize and release its drug cargo to inflamed joints.•Targeted liposomes are specifically bound to rabbit FLS and human FLS.•It showed 7-10 fold increased localization in affected joints compared to control.

In this study we examined a synovium-specific targeted liposomal drug delivery system for its ability to localize and release its drug cargo to inflamed joints. Targeted liposomes were tested in vitro for binding to synovial fibroblast like (FLS) and endothelial cells using flow cytometry and in vivo for localization to joints using a rat model of adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA). Targeted liposomes were then loaded with anti-arthritic medications and examined for clinical efficacy in AIA. Targeted liposomes specifically bound to rabbit FLS and human FLS and showed a 7-10 fold increase in vivo localization in affected joints compared to unaffected joints. Histological sections from rats treated with prednisone and a new immunosuppressive peptide CP showed minimal inflammation. This report substantiates the ability of the novel FLS sequence to target liposomal drug delivery and offers an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of arthritis.