Folate Receptor and Targeting Strategies

Abstract

The folate receptor (FR) is essential for intracellular transport of folic acid, a vital enzymatic cofactor required for cell survival and growth. FR exists in four isoforms termed as α, β, γ, and δ having variable affinity for folate ligand and exhibit differential expression in normal tissues. The receptors are known to amplify in a broad spectrum of cancers and therefore have been extensively explored to treat as well as to diagnose various cancers. This chapter presents an overview of the receptor family, ligands explored, pathophysiological features, importance of FR in therapeutics and diagnostics, different FR-mediated delivery systems, and clinical studies relying on FR targeting.