CHAPTER 6: Therapeutic Applications of Nucleic Acid Aptamer Conjugates

Nucleic acid aptamers can be isolated by in vitro techniques (SELEX), and they recognise a wide variety of molecular targets with affinities and specificities that rival those of antibodies. Unlike those protein-based ligands, aptamers are easily produced by enzymatic or chemical means, are readily modified for incorporation of additional functionalities or formats, and have more predictable physical properties. One application of this technology is the development of therapeutic aptamers. This chapter will describe some of the latest advances in this field, highlighting particularly the innovative ways in which aptamers are being adapted to therapy.