Cryo-sections of 16 m were mounted on Superfrost In addition Ultra microscope slides (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and counterstained with Hoechst 33342 (2 g/mL). was unknown until in 2012 the connection with the human being sodium-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP/SLC10A1) was recognized?(Yan et al., 2012). Subsequently, Urban and colleagues performed a fine mapping of the HBVpreS sequence to identify the amino acids responsible for efficient binding?(Schulze et SYP-5 al., 2010; Ni et al., 2014; Schieck et al., 2013). As a result, the 1st HBV/HDV access inhibitor, a myristoylated peptide named Myrcludex B, was developed and successfully launched in clinics (currently phase II clinical tests)?(Blank et al., 2016; Urban et al., 2014). Myrcludex B binds with high affinity and specificity to human being NTCP within the sinusoidal membrane of hepatocytes therefore obstructing binding of computer virus particles to their target cells. Based on these findings, the query occurs whether Myrcludex B might serve as a focusing on ligand to design a hepatotropic, NTCP-specific nanoparticle. In recent years, several SYP-5 groups possess therefore attempted to develop focusing on strategies based on HBV envelope proteins, for?example recombinant HBV envelope protein particles (bio-nanocapsules) or HBV preS1-derived functionalized liposomes?(Liu Itga10 et al., 2016; Somiya et al., 2016; Somiya et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2014). However, the nanoparticulate drug delivery systems developed experienced physicochemical properties (e.g. size, colloidal stability, and immunogenic potential), which were sub-optimal for efficient in vivo focusing on of hepatocytes. Especially the size of the nano-formulations offered a limitation. Most developed formulations experienced sizes above the average diameter of hepatic fenestrations in healthy humans (i.e. 100 nm)?(Wisse et al., 2008) therefore limiting the passage through liver fenestrations and consequently the access to the space of Disse and the sinusoidal membrane of hepatocytes. Notably, the liver fenestrae diameter of rodents display high varieties and strain variations ranging from around 100 nm to 160 nm, probably explaining positive liver focusing on of published formulations?(Braet and Wisse, 2002; Steffan et al., 1987; Wisse et al., 2008). In addition, a nanoparticle size above 100 nm causes phagocytosis by cells of the reticuloendothelial system (hepatic Kupffer cells and spleen macrophages) resulting SYP-5 in rapid blood clearance?(Kettiger et al., 2013). Both factors significantly decrease the likelihood of reaching the parenchymal liver tissue and increase the risk for potential off-target effects in untargeted cells. Surface properties are another important characteristic of nanoparticles. The surface charge (i.e. potential) should be slightly bad?(Xiao et al., 2011) to prevent sequestration of particles in the lung (due to a positive charge)?(Ishiwata et al., 2000) or quick clearance by cells expressing scavenger receptors (due to an excessive bad charge)?(Rothkopf et al., 2005). According to the classical Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory of colloids, a neutral charge has to be avoided to prevent particle agglomeration. In addition to surface charge, steric stabilization by PEGylation mediates long circulating properties and helps prevent opsonization?(Karmali and Simberg, 2011; Milla et al., 2012). It was the aim of the present study to design and optimize a nanoparticle based on liposomes combined with derivatives of Myrcludex B to efficiently target hepatocytes while minimizing relationships with off-target cell types. Optimization of physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles included size and charge optimization and steric shielding by PEGylation. Derivatives of Myrcludex B were selected based on target binding, cellular uptake and their impact on the colloidal stability of nanoparticles. For the lipid membrane composition, we used a FDA and EMA authorized multi-component lipid formulation based on Doxil (liposomal formulation of doxorubicin)?(Barenholz, 2012). To design an ideal targeted system, several Myrcludex B derivatives with variations in the peptide sequence or fatty acid modification were covalently linked to the distal end of PEG-lipids. NTCP-specific and ligand-dependent uptake was confirmed in vitro using human being liver-derived cell lines. Recently, Shan et al. reported huge discrepancies between in vitro systems and rodent experiments during the development of targeted nanomedicines?(Shan et al., 2015). Consequently, we used the zebrafish like a complementary in vivo screening model based on our SYP-5 earlier SYP-5 work (Sieber et al., 2019b; Campbell et al., 2018; Einfalt et al., 2018; Sieber et al., 2017). We assessed the effect of nanoparticles` ligand type and ligand denseness on their pharmacokinetics. To this end, human-derived cell lines lacking or expressing the human being NTCP (hNTCP, overexpressing HepG2 cells. Increasing concentrations of nanoparticles (CDiI) altered with different Myrcludex B-derived peptides were evaluated. Relative imply fluorescence intensities (MFI).