A strategy for actualization of active targeting nanomedicine practically functioning in a living body

IgM-functionalized biomimetic nanovaccine for immunological activation and bacterial toxin neutralization

Pore-forming toxins (PFTs) are exotoxins secreted by bacteria that aggregate and perforate cell membranes through mechanisms such as binding to specific membrane proteins, thereby killing cells and promoting bacterial invasion, migration, and proliferation. In this study, an anti-virulence factor strategy and vaccine were combined to develop folic acid-modified red blood cell membrane-hybrid liposomes (FA-RCM-Lips). By utilizing the aggregation and perforation mechanism of pore-forming toxins on red blood cell membranes, Vibrio vulnificus hemolysin A (VvhA) was efficiently loaded as the antigenic protein, thereby neutralizing the toxicity of the toxin while maximizing the retention of its antigenic activity and constructing a toxoid nanovaccine (FA-RCM-Lips(VvhA)). The nanocarrier served as an adjuvant to enhance antigen uptake by antigen-presenting cells, while folic acid molecules adsorbed natural IgM, enhancing antigen uptake and presentation by B cells through the IgM-complement pathway. FA-RCM-Lips reduced the hemolysis rate of VvhA by 98.78 % and simultaneously inhibited VvhA-induced skin and tissue toxicity. Subcutaneous and intravenous immunization with FA-RCM-Lips(VvhA) induced stronger IgG titers, improved antigen presentation, enhanced immune responses, and provided immunoprotection in mice.

Fluorescence Imaging-Assessed Surgical Margin Detection in Head and Neck Oncology by Passive and Active Targeting

Surgery remains the gold standard in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the anatomical complexity of these cancers, combined with the difficulty in discriminating between healthy and cancerous tissue and the detection of microlesions, complicates tumor resection, resulting in positive surgical margins, which are associated with a poor patient prognosis. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) has emerged as a promising technique in the management of HNSCC, improving tumor resection and margin assessment. FGS strategies can be roughly divided into three approaches; namely, natural tissue autofluorescence, passive delivery of fluorescent contrast agents, and active targeting. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advances made in FGS of head and neck cancers, particularly aiming to improve surgical margin assessment. Recently, the field has shown promising results by addressing contrast agents targeted to the overexpressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), both in preclinical and clinical settings. The identification of new targets such as αVβ6 integrin, uPAR, PARP1, and so on, as well as the development of contrast agents, are key steps in the further development of FGS of head and neck cancers, making it an essential tool in precision oncology. Among these, as was demonstrated in preclinical studies, the αVβ6 integrin is emerging as a promising target due to its high and specific expression in tumor and tumor margins.

A potent multifunctional ZIF-8 nanoplatform developed for colorectal cancer therapy by triple-delivery of chemo/radio/targeted therapy agents

BACKGROUND

Multimodal cancer therapy has garnered significant interest due to its ability to target tumor cells from various perspectives. The advancement of novel nano-delivery platforms represents a promising approach for improving treatment effectiveness while minimizing detrimental effects on healthy tissues.

METHODS

This study aimed to develop a multifunctional nano-delivery system capable of simultaneously delivering an anti-cancer drug, a radiosensitizer agent, and a targeting moiety (three-in-one) for the triple combination therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC). This unique nano-platform, called Apt-PEG-DOX/ZIF-8@GQD, encapsulated both doxorubicin (DOX) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) within the zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). To enhance the safety and anti-cancer potential of the platform, heterobifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG) and an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) aptamer were conjugated with the system, resulting in the formation of targeted Apt-PEG-DOX/ZIF-8@GQD NPs. The physical and chemical characteristics of Apt-PEG-DOX/ZIF-8@GQD were thoroughly examined, and its therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in combination with radiotherapy (RT) against both EpCAM-positive HT-29 and EpCAM-negative CHO cells. Furthermore, the potential of Apt-PEG-DOX/ZIF-8@GQD as a tumor-specific, radio-enhancing, non-toxic, and controllable delivery system for in vivo cancer treatment was explored using immunocompromised C57BL/6 mice bearing human HT-29 tumors.

RESULTS

The large surface area of ZIF-8 (1013 m2 g-1) enabled successful loading of DOX with an encapsulation efficiency of approximately ∼90%. The synthesis of Apt-PEG-DOX/ZIF-8@GQD resulted in uniform particles with an average diameter of 100 nm. This targeted platform exhibited rapid decomposition under acidic conditions, facilitating an on-demand release of DOX after endosomal escape. In vitro experiments revealed that the biocompatible nano-platform induced selective toxicity in HT-29 cells by enhancing X-ray absorption. Moreover, in vivo experiments demonstrated that the therapeutic efficacy of Apt-PEG-ZIF-8/DOX@GQD against HT-29 tumors was enhanced through the synergistic effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy, with minimal side effects.

CONCLUSION

The combination of Apt-PEG-DOX/ZIF-8@GQD with RT as a multimodal therapy approach demonstrated promising potential for the targeted treatment of CRC and enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. The co-delivery of DOX and GQD using this nano-platform holds great promise for improving the outcome of CRC treatment.

Evaluation of Doxorubicin-loaded Echogenic Macroemulsion for Targeted Drug Delivery

BACKGROUND

The latest technology trend in targeted drug delivery highlights stimuliresponsive particles that can release an anticancer drug in a solid tumor by responding to external stimuli.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to design, fabricate, and evaluate an ultrasound-responsive drug delivery vehicle for an ultrasound-mediated drug delivery system.

METHODS

The drug-containing echogenic macroemulsion (eME) was fabricated by an emulsification method using the three phases (aqueous lipid solution as a shell, doxorubicin (DOX) contained oil, and perfluorohexane (PFH) as an ultrasound-responsive agent). The morphological structure of eMEs was investigated using fluorescence microscopy, and the size distribution was analyzed by using DLS. The echogenicity of eME was measured using a contrast-enhanced ultrasound device. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using a breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) via an in vitro cell experiment.

RESULTS

The obtained eME showed an ideal morphological structure that contained both DOX and PFH in a single particle and indicated a suitable size for enhancing ultrasound response and avoiding complications in the blood vessel. The echogenicity of eME was demonstrated via an in vitro experiment, with results showcasing the potential for targeted drug delivery. Compared to free DOX, enhanced cytotoxicity and improved drug delivery efficiency in a cancer cell were proven by using DOX-loaded eMEs and ultrasound.

CONCLUSION

This study established a platform technology to fabricate the ultrasound-responsive vehicle. The designed drug-loaded eME could be a promising platform with ultrasound technology for targeted drug delivery.

Responsive nanomedicines enhanced by or enhancing physical modalities to treat solid cancer tumors: Preclinical and clinical evidence of safety and efficacy

Nanomedicine has improved cancer treatment but not to the extent anticipated. Responsive nanomedicines enhanced by physical modalities (radiation, ultrasounds, alternating magnetic fields) or enhancing the activity of physical modalities such as radiotherapy to kill cancer represents an important approach in improving the safety and anticancer effectiveness. Importantly, the combined treatments have shown promise for the treatment of difficult to treat tumors, such as tumors that are resistant to chemotherapy (multi drug resistant, MDR) or radiotherapy and hypoxic tumors, and for the prevention of tumor metastasis. In this review, the mechanisms of responsive nanomedicines activity enhancement by physical means and vice versa are presented and preclinical and, most importantly, clinical evidence of the safety and efficacy of nanomedicines enhanced by or enhancing by physical modalities in treating solid tumors are critically discussed.

Peptide-functionalized liposomes as therapeutic and diagnostic tools for cancer treatment

Clinically efficacious medication in anticancer therapy has been successfully designed with liposome-based nanomedicine. The liposomal formulation in cancer drug delivery can be facilitated with a functionalized peptide that mediates the specific drug delivery opportunities with increased drug penetrability, specific accumulation in the targeted site, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. This review aims to focus on recent advances in peptide-functionalized liposomal formulation techniques in cancer diagnosis and treatment regarding recently published literature. It also will highlight different aspects of novel liposomal formulation techniques that incorporate surface functionalization with peptides for better anticancer effect and current challenges in peptide-functionalized liposomal drug formulation.

Characterization of sphere cells derived from a patient-derived xenograft model of lung adenocarcinoma treated with ionizing radiation

PURPOSE

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are relatively resistant to radiation compared to their non-tumorigenic progeny. Ionizing radiation (IR) can expand the pool of CSCs that leads to more aggressive cancers, but the reason underlying CSC-induced cancer aggressiveness after radiation therapy remains unclear. To understand this, we investigated the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of sphere cells formed from IR-treated patient-derived xenograft (PDX) lung adenocarcinoma tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After treatment with various modes of IR, we collected tumors from PDX mice and successfully obtained sphere cells. To compare tumorigenicity, we performed migration, invasion, and mouse transplantation assays with sphere cells from each group. To investigate the molecular features, we used a cDNA microarray and compared gene expression among groups.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Tumorigenicity assays revealed that sphere cells from 2- or 5-Gy IR-treated tumors more aggressive than sphere cells from non-IR treated tumors. Microarray results showed that SERPIB4 and CCL2 were upregulated in sphere cells from IR-treated tumors compared to that in sphere cells from non-IR treated tumors. Interestingly, these genes are related to immune reactions in cancer. Taken together, our results suggest that the aggressiveness of sphere cells obtained after IR treatment is related to resistance, and provide new opportunities for exploring targeted therapies to overcome common radioresistance.

A novel nanoparticle-based theranostic agent targeting LRP-1 enhances the efficacy of neoadjuvant radiotherapy in colorectal cancer

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy has become an important therapeutic option for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, whereas complete tumor response is observed only in 20-30% patients. Therefore, the development of diagnostic probe for radio-resistance is important to decide an optimal treatment timing and strategy for radiotherapy-resistant CRC patients. In this study, using the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model established with a radio-resistant CRC tumor tissue, we found low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) as a radio-resistant marker protein induced by initial-dose radiation in radio-resistant CRC tumors. Simultaneously, we discovered a LRP-1 targeting peptide in a radio-resistant CRC PDX through in vivo peptide screening. We next engineered the theranostic agent made of human serum albumin nanoparticles (HSA NPs) containing 5-FU for chemo-radiotherapy and decorating LRP-1-targeting peptide for tumor localization, Cy7 fluorophore for diagnostic imaging. The nanoparticle-based theranostic agent accurately targeted the tumor designated by LRP-1 responding radiation and showed dramatically improved therapeutic efficacy in the radio-resistant PDX model. In conclusion, we have identified LRP-1 as a signature protein of radio-resistant CRC and successfully developed LRP-1-targeting HSA-NP containing 5-FU that is a novel theranostic tool for both diagnostic imaging and neoadjuvant therapy of CRC patients. This approach is clinically applicable to improve the effectiveness of neo-adjuvant radiotherapy and increase the ratio of complete tumor response in radio-resistant CRC.