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Wu B, Liang J, Yang X, Fang Y, Kong N, Chen D, Wang H. A Programmable Peptidic Hydrogel Adjuvant for Personalized Immunotherapy in Resected Stage Tumors. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:8585-8597. [PMID: 38478659 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Adjuvant treatment after surgical resection usually plays an important role in delaying disease recurrence. Immunotherapy displays encouraging results in increasing patients' chances of staying cancer-free after surgery, as reported by recent clinical trials. However, the clinical outcomes of current immunotherapy need to be improved due to the limited responses, patient heterogeneity, nontargeted distribution, and immune-related adverse effects. This work describes a programmable hydrogel adjuvant for personalized immunotherapy after surgical resection. By filling the hydrogel in the cavity, this system aims to address the limited secretion of granzyme B (GrB) during immunotherapy and improve the low immunotherapy responses typically observed, while minimizing immune-related side effects. The TLR7/8 agonist imidazoquinoline (IMDQ) is linked to the self-assembling peptide backbone through a GrB-responsive linkage. Its release could enhance the activation and function of immune cells, which will lead to increased secretion of GrB and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy together. The hydrogel adjuvant recruits immune cells, initiates dendritic cell maturation, and induces M1 polarized macrophages to reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in situ. In multiple murine tumor models, the hydrogel adjuvant suppresses tumor growth, increases animal survival and long-term immunological memory, and protects mice against tumor rechallenge, leading to effective prophylactic and therapeutic responses. This work provides a potential chemical strategy to overcome the limitations associated with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bihan Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, No. 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Juan Liang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, No. 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, No. 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, No. 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Nan Kong
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, No. 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Dinghao Chen
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, No. 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Huaimin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, No. 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
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2
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Song K, Pun SH. Design and Evaluation of Synthetic Delivery Formulations for Peptide-Based Cancer Vaccines. BME FRONTIERS 2024; 5:0038. [PMID: 38515636 PMCID: PMC10956738 DOI: 10.34133/bmef.0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
With the recent advances in neoantigen identification, peptide-based cancer vaccines offer substantial potential in the field of immunotherapy. However, rapid clearance, low immunogenicity, and insufficient antigen-presenting cell (APC) uptake limit the efficacy of peptide-based cancer vaccines. This review explores the barriers hindering vaccine efficiency, highlights recent advancements in synthetic delivery systems, and features strategies for the key delivery steps of lymph node (LN) drainage, APC delivery, cross-presentation strategies, and adjuvant incorporation. This paper also discusses the design of preclinical studies evaluating vaccine efficiency, including vaccine administration routes and murine tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kefan Song
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, USA
| | - Suzie H Pun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, USA
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3
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Subbaiah MAM, Rautio J, Meanwell NA. Prodrugs as empowering tools in drug discovery and development: recent strategic applications of drug delivery solutions to mitigate challenges associated with lead compounds and drug candidates. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:2099-2210. [PMID: 38226865 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00957a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The delivery of a drug to a specific organ or tissue at an efficacious concentration is the pharmacokinetic (PK) hallmark of promoting effective pharmacological action at a target site with an acceptable safety profile. Sub-optimal pharmaceutical or ADME profiles of drug candidates, which can often be a function of inherently poor physicochemical properties, pose significant challenges to drug discovery and development teams and may contribute to high compound attrition rates. Medicinal chemists have exploited prodrugs as an informed strategy to productively enhance the profiles of new chemical entities by optimizing the physicochemical, biopharmaceutical, and pharmacokinetic properties as well as selectively delivering a molecule to the site of action as a means of addressing a range of limitations. While discovery scientists have traditionally employed prodrugs to improve solubility and membrane permeability, the growing sophistication of prodrug technologies has enabled a significant expansion of their scope and applications as an empowering tool to mitigate a broad range of drug delivery challenges. Prodrugs have emerged as successful solutions to resolve non-linear exposure, inadequate exposure to support toxicological studies, pH-dependent absorption, high pill burden, formulation challenges, lack of feasibility of developing solid and liquid dosage forms, first-pass metabolism, high dosing frequency translating to reduced patient compliance and poor site-specific drug delivery. During the period 2012-2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 50 prodrugs, which amounts to 13% of approved small molecule drugs, reflecting both the importance and success of implementing prodrug approaches in the pursuit of developing safe and effective drugs to address unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murugaiah A M Subbaiah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb R&D Centre, Biocon Park, Bommasandra Phase IV, Bangalore, PIN 560099, India.
| | - Jarkko Rautio
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nicholas A Meanwell
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The College of Pharmacy, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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4
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Haudum S, Strasser P, Teasdale I. Phosphorus and Silicon-Based Macromolecules as Degradable Biomedical Polymers. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300127. [PMID: 37326117 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic polymers are indispensable in biomedical applications because they can be fabricated with consistent and reproducible properties, facile scalability, and customizable functionality to perform diverse tasks. However, currently available synthetic polymers have limitations, most notably when timely biodegradation is required. Despite there being, in principle, an entire periodic table to choose from, with the obvious exception of silicones, nearly all known synthetic polymers are combinations of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in the main chain. Expanding this to main-group heteroatoms can open the way to novel material properties. Herein the authors report on research to incorporate the chemically versatile and abundant silicon and phosphorus into polymers to induce cleavability into the polymer main chain. Less stable polymers, which degrade in a timely manner in mild biological environments, have considerable potential in biomedical applications. Herein the basic chemistry behind these materials is described and some recent studies into their medical applications are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Haudum
- Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenbergerstrasse 69, Linz, 4040, Austria
| | - Paul Strasser
- Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenbergerstrasse 69, Linz, 4040, Austria
| | - Ian Teasdale
- Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenbergerstrasse 69, Linz, 4040, Austria
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5
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Cheng Y, Zhong C, Yan S, Chen C, Gao X. Structure modification: a successful tool for prodrug design. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:379-393. [PMID: 36946236 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Prodrug strategy is critical for innovative drug development. Structural modification is the most straightforward and effective method to develop prodrugs. Improving drug defects and optimizing the physical and chemical properties of a drug, such as lipophilicity and water solubility, changing the way of administration can be achieved through specific structural modification. Designing prodrugs by linking microenvironment-responsive groups to the prototype drugs is of great help in enhancing drug targeting. In the meantime, making connections between prodrugs and suitable drug delivery systems could realize drug loading increases, greater stability, bioavailability and drug release control. In this paper, lipidic, water-soluble, pH-responsive, redox-sensitive and enzyme-activatable prodrugs are reviewed on the basis of structural modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexuan Cheng
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830011, China
| | - Chunhong Zhong
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830011, China
| | - Shujing Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830011, China
| | - Chunli Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830011, China
- Engineering Research Center of Xinjiang & Central Asian Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830011, China
| | - Xiaoli Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830011, China
- Engineering Research Center of Xinjiang & Central Asian Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830011, China
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6
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Fang S, Brems BM, Olawode EO, Miller JT, Brooks TA, Tumey LN. Design and Characterization of Immune-Stimulating Imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline Antibody-Drug Conjugates. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3228-3241. [PMID: 35904247 PMCID: PMC10166635 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Traditional antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology has employed tumor-targeting antibodies to selectively deliver ultrapotent cytotoxins to tumor tissue. While this technology has been highly successful, resulting in the FDA approval of over 10 ADCs, the field continues to struggle with modest efficacy and significant off-target toxicity. Concurrent with the struggles of the ADC field, a new generation of immune-activating therapeutics has arisen, most clearly exemplified by the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors that are now part of standard-of-care treatment regimens for a variety of cancers. The success of these immuno-oncology therapeutic agents has prompted the investigation of a variety of new immuno-stimulant approaches, including toll-like receptor (TLR) activators. Herein, we describe the optimization of ADC technology for the selective delivery of a potent series of TLR7 agonists. A series of imidazole[4,5-c]quinoline agonists (as exemplified by compound 1) were shown to selectively agonize the human and mouse TLR7 receptor at low nanomolar concentrations, resulting in the release of IFNα from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) and the upregulation of CD86 on antigen-presenting cells. Compound 1 was attached to a deglycosylated (Fc-γ null) HER2-targeting antibody via a cleavable linker, resulting in an ADC (anti-HER2_vc-1) that potently and selectively activated the TLR7 pathway in tumor-associated macrophages via a "bystander" mechanism. We demonstrated that this ADC rapidly released the TLR7 agonist into the media when incubated with HER2+ cells. This release was not observed upon incubation with an isotype control ADC and furthermore was suppressed by co-administration of the naked antibody. In co-culture experiments with HER2+ HCC1954 cells, this ADC induced the activation of the NFκB pathway in mouse macrophages and the release of IFNα from hPBMCs, while a corresponding isotype control ADC did not. Finally, we demonstrated that IP administration of anti-HER2_vc-1 induced complete tumor regression in an HCC1954 xenograft study in SCID beige mice. Unlike related ADC technology that has been reported recently, our technology relies on the passive diffusion of the TLR7 agonist into tumor-associated macrophages rather than Fc-γ-mediated uptake. Based on these observations, we believe that this ADC technology holds significant potential for both oncology and infectious disease applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siteng Fang
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Brittany M Brems
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Emmanuel O Olawode
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Jared T Miller
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Tracy A Brooks
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - L Nathan Tumey
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
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Kakwere H, Zhang H, Ingham ES, Nura-Raie M, Tumbale SK, Allen R, Tam SM, Wu B, Liu C, Kheirolomoom A, Fite BZ, Ilovitsh A, Lewis JS, Ferrara KW. Systemic Immunotherapy with Micellar Resiquimod-Polymer Conjugates Triggers a Robust Antitumor Response in a Breast Cancer Model. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100008. [PMID: 33646600 PMCID: PMC8153207 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Resiquimod is an immunopotent toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist with antitumor activity. Despite being potent against skin cancers, it is poorly tolerated systemically due to toxicity. Integrating resiquimod into nanoparticles presents an avenue to circumvent the toxicity problem. Herein, the preparation of degradable nanoparticles with covalently bound resiquimod and their systemic application in cancer immunotherapy is reported. Dispersion in water of amphiphilic constructs integrating resiquimod covalently bound via degradable amide or ester linkages yields immune-activating nanoparticles. The degradable agonist-nanoparticle bonds allow the release of resiquimod from the carrier nanoparticles. In vitro assays with antigen presenting cells demonstrate that the nanoparticles retain the immunostimulatory activity of resiquimod. Systemic administration of the nanoparticles and checkpoint blockade (aPD-1) to a breast cancer mouse model with multiple established tumors triggers antitumor activity evidenced by suppressed tumor growth and enhanced CD8+ T-cell infiltration. Nanoparticles with ester links, which hydrolyze more readily, yield a stronger immune response with 75% of tumors eliminated when combined with aPD-1. The reduced tumor growth and the presence of activated CD8+ T-cells across multiple tumors suggest the potential for treating metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamilton Kakwere
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Hua Zhang
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Ingham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California (Davis), Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Marina Nura-Raie
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Spencer K Tumbale
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Riley Allen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California (Davis), Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Sarah M Tam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California (Davis), Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Bo Wu
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Cheng Liu
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Azadeh Kheirolomoom
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Brett Z Fite
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Asaf Ilovitsh
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jamal S Lewis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California (Davis), Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Katherine W Ferrara
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
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8
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Andrianov AK, Langer R. Polyphosphazene immunoadjuvants: Historical perspective and recent advances. J Control Release 2021; 329:299-315. [PMID: 33285104 PMCID: PMC7904599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The development of successful vaccines has been increasingly reliant on the use of immunoadjuvants - additives, which can enhance and modulate immune responses to vaccine antigens. Immunoadjuvants of the polyphosphazene family encompass synthetic biodegradable macromolecules, which attain in vivo activity via antigen delivery and immunostimulation mechanisms. Over the last decades, the technology has witnessed evolvement of next generation members, expansion to include various antigens and routes of administration, and progression to clinical phase. This was accompanied by gaining important insights into the mechanism of action and the development of a novel class of virus-mimicking nano-assemblies for antigen delivery. The present review evaluates in vitro and in vivo data generated to date in the context of latest advances in understanding the primary function and biophysical behavior of these macromolecules. It also provides an overview of relevant synthetic and characterization methods, macromolecular biodegradation pathways, and polyphosphazene-based multi-component, nanoparticulate, and microfabricated formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K Andrianov
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
| | - Robert Langer
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Abstract
Although the best-known examples of synthetic polymers are derived from carbon-based monomers, there exists another large and growing family of macromolecules based on the chemistry of phosphorus. These are the poly(organophosphazenes): polymers with a backbone of alternating phosphorus and nitrogen atoms and with two organic side groups attached to each phosphorus. The methods of synthesis of these polymers allow access to property combinations not found in all-organic counterparts, and this provides pathways to new materials that are important in biomedical research, energy generation and storage, aerospace materials, and numerous other specialized applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry R Allcock
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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10
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Lee SN, Jin SM, Shin HS, Lim YT. Chemical Strategies to Enhance the Therapeutic Efficacy of Toll-like Receptor Agonist Based Cancer Immunotherapy. Acc Chem Res 2020; 53:2081-2093. [PMID: 32966047 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.0c00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent developments in the fields of biomedical chemistry and immune bioengineering have enabled innovative therapeutic approaches that can enhance the efficacy, accuracy, and safety of cancer immunotherapy. Among the numerous strategies utilized in cancer immunotherapy, Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist-based approaches have been studied for a long time since they trigger the innate immune system and generate antigen-specific T cell responses to fight against tumors. In addition to these immunostimulatory functions, TLR agonists also contribute to the reprogramming of immune suppressive tumor microenvironments. Although TLR agonists are now being intensively studied in clinical trials due to their substantial immunomodulatory properties, they still show a low therapeutic index. Nonspecific and random stimulation of various immune cells produces excess levels of proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in cytokine storms and chronic diseases. Therefore, the development of chemical strategies to enhance the therapeutic efficacy as well as the safety of TLR agonist-based immunotherapy is essential and in high demand.In this Account, we summarize and discuss recent developments in biomedical chemistry and bioengineering techniques for the immunomodulation of TLR agonists that have addressed the limitations in current cancer immunotherapy. Immunomodulation of TLR agonists can be classified into two different approaches: (1) molecular modulation via chemical structure modification and (2) macroscopic modulation via an engineered drug delivery system. In molecular modulation, based on prodrug and antedrug principles, activity is modulated (active or inactive) through immolative chemical linkers that can respond to extrinsic or intrinsic biological stimulation and the plasmatic environment, respectively. To increase the effectiveness of TLR agonists as immunostimulatory agents, researchers have conjugated TLR agonists with other immunotherapeutic moieties (antigen, antibody, other TLR agonist, etc.). For macroscopic modulation, bioengineering of delivery carriers differing in size or with albumin hitchhiking moieties has been utilized to increase the efficiency of the targeting of these carriers to secondary lymphoid organs (lymph nodes (LNs) and spleen). The conjugation of specific targeting ligands and incorporation of stimulus-triggering moieties can promote the delivery of TLR agonists into specific cells or intracellular compartments. Implantable porous scaffolds for specific immune cell recruitment and in situ depot-forming gel systems for controlled release of immunomodulatory drugs can increase the therapeutic efficacy of TLR agonists while reducing systemic toxicity. Taken together, these findings show that well-designed and precisely controlled chemical strategies for the immunomodulation of TLR agonists at both the molecular and macroscopic levels are expected to play key roles in improving the therapeutic efficacy of cancer immunotherapy while minimizing immune-related toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Nam Lee
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering, Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU and School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Mo Jin
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering, Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU and School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Sik Shin
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering, Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU and School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Taik Lim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering, Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU and School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
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11
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Andrianov AK, Marin A, Wang R, Karauzum H, Chowdhury A, Agnihotri P, Yunus AS, Mariuzza RA, Fuerst TR. Supramolecular assembly of Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist into multimeric water-soluble constructs enables superior immune stimulation in vitro and in vivo. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:3187-3195. [PMID: 33880435 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Resiquimod or R848 (RSQD) is a Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 agonist which shows promise as vaccine adjuvant due to its potential to promote highly desirable cellular immunity. The development of this small molecule in the field to date has been largely impeded by its rapid in vivo clearance and lack of association with vaccine antigens. Here, we report a multimeric TLR 7/8 construct of nano-scale size, which results from a spontaneous self-assembly of RSQD with a water-soluble clinical-stage polymer - poly[di(carboxylatophenoxy)phosphazene] (PCPP). The formation of ionically paired construct (PCPP-R) and a ternary complex, which also includes Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen, has been demonstrated by dynamic lights scattering (DLS), turbidimetry, fluorescence spectroscopy, asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4), and 1H NMR spectroscopy methods. The resulting supramolecular assembly PCPP-R enabled superior immunostimulation in cellular assays (mouse macrophage reporter cell line) and displayed improved in vitro hemocompatibility (human erythrocytes). In vivo studies demonstrated that PCPP-R adjuvanted HCV formulation induced higher serum neutralization titers in BALB/c mice and shifted the response towards desirable cellular immunity, as evaluated by antibody isotype ratio (IgG2a/IgG1) and ex vivo analysis of cytokine secreting splenocytes (higher levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) single and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)/IFN-γ double producing cells). The non-covalent multimerization approach stands in contrast to previously suggested RSQD delivery methods, which involve covalent conjugation or encapsulation, and offers a flexible methodology that can be potentially integrated with other parenterally administered drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K Andrianov
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, USA
| | - Alexander Marin
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, USA
| | - Ruixue Wang
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, USA
| | | | - Ananda Chowdhury
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, USA
| | - Pragati Agnihotri
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742, USA.,W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Abdul S Yunus
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, USA
| | - Roy A Mariuzza
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742, USA.,W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Thomas R Fuerst
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742, USA
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12
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Strasser P, Teasdale I. Main-Chain Phosphorus-Containing Polymers for Therapeutic Applications. Molecules 2020; 25:E1716. [PMID: 32276516 PMCID: PMC7181247 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymers in which phosphorus is an integral part of the main chain, including polyphosphazenes and polyphosphoesters, have been widely investigated in recent years for their potential in a number of therapeutic applications. Phosphorus, as the central feature of these polymers, endears the chemical functionalization, and in some cases (bio)degradability, to facilitate their use in such therapeutic formulations. Recent advances in the synthetic polymer chemistry have allowed for controlled synthesis methods in order to prepare the complex macromolecular structures required, alongside the control and reproducibility desired for such medical applications. While the main polymer families described herein, polyphosphazenes and polyphosphoesters and their analogues, as well as phosphorus-based dendrimers, have hitherto predominantly been investigated in isolation from one another, this review aims to highlight and bring together some of this research. In doing so, the focus is placed on the essential, and often mutual, design features and structure-property relationships that allow the preparation of such functional materials. The first part of the review details the relevant features of phosphorus-containing polymers in respect to their use in therapeutic applications, while the second part highlights some recent and innovative applications, offering insights into the most state-of-the-art research on phosphorus-based polymers in a therapeutic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Strasser
- Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU), Altenberger Straße 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Ian Teasdale
- Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU), Altenberger Straße 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria
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Hu H, Chen P, Wang G, Wu J, Zhang B, Li W, Davis RL, Li Y. Regulation of Immune Activation by Optical Control of TLR1/2 Heterodimerization. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1150-1154. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hong‐Guo Hu
- Department of ChemistryTsinghua UniversityKey Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Pu‐Guang Chen
- Department of ChemistryTsinghua UniversityKey Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Guanyu Wang
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba R3T 2N2 Canada
| | - Jun‐Jun Wu
- Department of ChemistryTsinghua UniversityKey Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Bo‐Dou Zhang
- Department of ChemistryTsinghua UniversityKey Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Wen‐Hao Li
- Department of ChemistryTsinghua UniversityKey Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Rebecca L. Davis
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba R3T 2N2 Canada
| | - Yan‐Mei Li
- Department of ChemistryTsinghua UniversityKey Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology Beijing 100084 P. R. China
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Beijing 100069 P. R. China
- Center for Synthetic and Systems BiologyTsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
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14
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Abstract
This microreview details recent developments in stimuli-responsive polymers with phosphorus in the main-chain, in particular polyphosphazenes and polyphosphoesters. The presence of phosphorus in the polymers endows unique properties onto the macromolecules, which can be utilized for the preparation of materials capable of physically responding to specific stimuli. Achieving the desired responsiveness has been much facilitated by recent developments in synthetic polymer chemistry, in particular controlled synthesis and backbone functionalization phosphorus-based polymers, in order to achieve the required properties and hence responsiveness of the materials. The development of phosphorus-based polymers which respond to the most important stimuli are discussed, namely, pH, oxidation, reduction, temperature and biological triggers. The polymers are placed in the context not just of each other but also with reference to state-of-the-art organic polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Teasdale
- Institute of Polymer ChemistryJohannes Kepler University LinzAltenberger Straße 694040LinzAustria
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15
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Andrianov AK, Marin A, Martinez AP, Weidman JL, Fuerst TR. Hydrolytically Degradable PEGylated Polyelectrolyte Nanocomplexes for Protein Delivery. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:3467-3478. [PMID: 29953203 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b00785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Novel oppositely charged polyphosphazene polyelectrolytes containing grafted poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains were synthesized as modular components for the assembly of biodegradable PEGylated protein delivery vehicles. These macromolecular counterparts, which contained either carboxylic acid or tertiary amino groups, were then formulated at near physiological conditions into supramolecular assemblies of nanoscale level, below 100 nm. Nanocomplexes with electroneutral surface charge, as assessed by zeta potential measurements, were stable in aqueous solutions, which suggests their compact polyelectrolyte complex "core"-hydrophilic PEG "shell" structure. Investigation of PEGylated polyphosphazene nanocomplexes as agents for noncovalent PEGylation of the therapeutic protein l-asparaginase (L-ASP) in vitro demonstrated their ability to dramatically reduce protein antigenicity, as measured by antibody binding using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Encapsulation in nanocomplexes did not affect enzymatic activity of L-ASP, but improved its thermal stability and proteolytic resistance. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) experiments revealed that all synthesized polyphosphazenes exhibited composition controlled hydrolytic degradability in aqueous solutions at neutral pH and showed greater stability at lower temperatures. Overall, novel hydrolytically degradable polyphosphazene polyelectrolytes capable of spontaneous self-assembly into PEGylated nanoparticulates in aqueous solutions can potentially enable a simple and effective approach to modifying therapeutic proteins without the need for their covalent modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K Andrianov
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , 9600 Gudelsky Drive , Rockville , Maryland 20850 , United States
| | - Alexander Marin
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , 9600 Gudelsky Drive , Rockville , Maryland 20850 , United States
| | - Andre P Martinez
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , 9600 Gudelsky Drive , Rockville , Maryland 20850 , United States
| | - Jacob L Weidman
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , 9600 Gudelsky Drive , Rockville , Maryland 20850 , United States
| | - Thomas R Fuerst
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , 9600 Gudelsky Drive , Rockville , Maryland 20850 , United States.,Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics , 1109 Microbiology Building , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20742 , United States
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16
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Aichhorn S, Linhardt A, Halfmann A, Nadlinger M, Kirchberger S, Stadler M, Dillinger B, Distel M, Dohnal A, Teasdale I, Schöfberger W. A pH-sensitive Macromolecular Prodrug as TLR7/8 Targeting Immune Response Modifier. Chemistry 2017; 23:17721-17726. [PMID: 28758266 PMCID: PMC5763314 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201702942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The chemical synthesis and biological activity of novel functionalized imidazoquinoline derivatives (ImQ) to generate Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 specific prodrugs are presented. In vivo activity of ImQs to induce inflammation was confirmed in zebrafish larvae. After covalent ligation to fully biodegradable polyphosphazenes (ImQ-polymer), the macromolecular prodrugs were designed to undergo intracellular pH-sensitive release of ImQs to induce inflammation through binding to endosomal TLR7/8 (danger signal). We showed ImQ dissociation from prodrugs at a pH 5 pointing towards endosomal prodrug degradability. ImQ-polymers strongly activated ovalbumin-specific T cells in murine splenocytes as shown by increased proliferation and expression of the IL-2 receptor (CD25) on CD8+ T cells accompanied by strong IFN-γ release. ImQ prodrugs presented here are suggested to form the basis of novel nanovaccines, for example, for intravenous or intratumoral cancer immunotherapeutic applications to trigger physiological antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Aichhorn
- Institute of Organic ChemistryJohannes Kepler UniversityAltenberger Straße 694040LinzAustria
| | - Anne Linhardt
- Institute of Polymer ChemistryJohannes Kepler UniversityAltenberger Straße 694040LinzAustria
| | - Angela Halfmann
- Tumorimmunology and Innovative Cancer Models, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V. CCRI-Children's Cancer Research InstituteZimmermannplatz 101090ViennaAustria
| | - Markus Nadlinger
- Institute of Organic ChemistryJohannes Kepler UniversityAltenberger Straße 694040LinzAustria
| | - Stefanie Kirchberger
- Tumorimmunology and Innovative Cancer Models, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V. CCRI-Children's Cancer Research InstituteZimmermannplatz 101090ViennaAustria
| | - Manuela Stadler
- Tumorimmunology and Innovative Cancer Models, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V. CCRI-Children's Cancer Research InstituteZimmermannplatz 101090ViennaAustria
| | - Barbara Dillinger
- Tumorimmunology and Innovative Cancer Models, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V. CCRI-Children's Cancer Research InstituteZimmermannplatz 101090ViennaAustria
| | - Martin Distel
- Tumorimmunology and Innovative Cancer Models, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V. CCRI-Children's Cancer Research InstituteZimmermannplatz 101090ViennaAustria
| | - Alexander Dohnal
- Tumorimmunology and Innovative Cancer Models, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V. CCRI-Children's Cancer Research InstituteZimmermannplatz 101090ViennaAustria
| | - Ian Teasdale
- Institute of Polymer ChemistryJohannes Kepler UniversityAltenberger Straße 694040LinzAustria
| | - Wolfgang Schöfberger
- Institute of Organic ChemistryJohannes Kepler UniversityAltenberger Straße 694040LinzAustria
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