Abstract
Advances in the technology for phage display
in vivo have set the stage for a new ligand-directed pharmacology with broad implications for both treatment and molecular imaging of patients, and for the elucidation of molecular mechanisms of action, particularly in carcinogenesis. This technology identifies specific molecular complexes, mainly small peptide and gene-based therapeutic and imaging agents, effective in experimental animals and patients. The unbiased identification of molecular targets on the surfaces of blood vessels and parenchymal cells in preselected specific organs and tissues raises the prospect of an increased understanding of animal and human cellular and vascular proteomics. In this review, we focus on the delivery of phage-based agents via stem and progenitor cells, important delivery vehicles contributing to the growing impact of phage display on modern medicine.