pH-Sensitive Polycations for siRNA Delivery: Effect of Asymmetric Structures of Tertiary Amine Groups

Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of low molecular weight poly(β-amino ester) nanocarriers for enhanced T cell transfection and gene delivery in cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy represents a revolutionary approach in cancer treatment by leveraging the body's immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. An emerging strategy within this field is gene delivery, which can enhance the efficacy of immune cells. Nanocarrier-based gene delivery methods have gained prominence due to their ability to protect and transport genetic material into cells efficiently. Polymeric nanocarriers, in particular, offer significant advantages, such as customizable physical and chemical properties, biocompatibility, and the potential for targeted delivery. Among polymeric nanocarriers, poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) polymers are notable for their biodegradability, low cytotoxicity, and high gene transfection efficiency. This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of low molecular weight PBAE nanocarriers, assessing their potential in gene delivery applications for Jurkat and primary T cells-both crucial in cancer immunotherapy. Our research involved synthesizing PBAE polymer and creating nanocarriers at various DNA-to-polymer ratios. We characterized these nanocarriers in terms of size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were utilized to evaluate cellular uptake and transfection efficiency. The results demonstrated appropriate transfection efficiency and significant gene expression in both hard-to-transfect cell types (jurkat up to 37% and primary T cell 5%), with optimized DNA-to-polymer ratios showing minimal cytotoxicity. This study highlights the potential of PBAE nanocarriers in enhancing gene delivery for cancer immunotherapy. By effectively transfecting T cells, these nanocarriers could improve the therapeutic outcomes of immunotherapy, offering a promising pathway for developing more effective cancer treatments.

Optimizing long-term stability of siRNA using thermoassemble ionizable reverse pluronic-Bcl2 micelleplexes

Thermosassemble Ionizable Reverse Pluronic (TIRP) platform stands out for its distinctive combination of thermoassemble and ionizable features, effectively overcoming challenges in previous siRNA delivery systems. This study opens up a formation for long-term stabilization, and high loading of siRNA, specifically crafted for targeting oncogenic pathways. TIRP-Bcl2 self-assembles into a unique micelle structure with a nanodiameter of 75.8 ± 5.7 nm, efficiently encapsulating Bcl2 siRNA while maintaining exceptional colloidal stability at 4 °C for 8 months, along with controlled release profiles lasting 180 h. The dual ionizable headgroup enhance the siRNA loading and the revers pluronic unique structural orientation enhance the stability of the siRNA. The thermoassemble of TIRP-Bcl2 facilitates flexi-rigid response to mild hyperthermia, enhancing deep tissue penetration and siRNA release in the tumor microenvironment. This responsive behavior improves intracellular uptake and gene silencing efficacy in cancer cells. TIRP, with its smaller particle size and reverse pluronic nature, efficiently transports siRNA across the blood-brain barrier, holding promise for revolutionizing glioblastoma (GBM) treatment. TIRP-Bcl2 shows significant potential for precise, personalized therapies, promising prolonged siRNA delivery and in vitro/in vivo stability. This research opens avenues for further exploration and clinical translation of this innovative nanocarrier system across different cancers.

Changes of retinal ganglion cell complex after vitrectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients and its correlation with inflammatory blood biomarkers

Purpose

To compare retinal ganglion cell complex (GCC) parameters between rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) eyes and normal contralateral eyes after vitrectomy and to evaluate their correlation with inflammatory blood markers.

Methods

We investigated 25 eyes that underwent vitrectomy due to RRD. Venous blood samples were collected from all participants before 08:00 a.m. on the second day of admission after a 12-hour fast for blood counts. The differences of retinal structure between RRD and contralateral eyes were compared 1 week postoperatively.

Results

Focal loss volume (FLV) (2.009 ± 1.286)% was significantly increased compared with the contralateral eyes (p <  0.001). Monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein was significantly positively correlated with GCC thickness parameters, and negatively correlated with FLV and global loss volume (GLV). Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was negatively correlated with GLV (p = 0.039, R² = 0.172).

Conclusion

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) loss might present early postoperatively in RRD eyes, and was associated with systemic inflammation. RGCs loss might affect postoperative vision.