Bivalent OX40 Aptamer and CpG as Dual Agonists for Cancer Immunotherapy

OX40-OX40L Axis in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas: Pathogenic, Prognostic, and Potential Therapeutic Perspectives

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most prevalent forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and are characterized by the proliferation of CD4+ T-helper cells. The pathogenesis of CTCLs involves a critical interaction between neoplastic cells and the tumor microenvironment. This interaction is driven not only by cytokines but also by surface proteins that mediate cell-cell contact. One such protein, OX40 (also known as CD134), is a member of the TNF receptor superfamily and serves as an induced costimulatory molecule that facilitates the interaction between T-cells and antigen-presenting cells. In this narrative review, we explore the literature surrounding the OX40-OX40L interaction in CTCLs, highlighting its pathogenic and prognostic significance. Additionally, we compare the expression and function of OX40-OX40L in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, with their role in CTCLs. Finally, we provide an overview of the current state of therapeutic research, discussing the potential of targeting the OX40-OX40L axis in CTCL treatment.

Aptamer-ODN Chimeras: Enabling Cell-Specific ODN Targeting Therapy

Oligonucleotides (ODNs) such as siRNA, saRNA, and miRNA regulate gene expression through a variety of molecular mechanisms and show unique potential in the treatment of genetic diseases and rare diseases, but their clinical application is still limited by the efficiency of the delivery system, especially the problem of the insufficient targeting of extrahepatic tissues. As homologous nucleic acid molecules, aptamers have become a key tool to improve the targeted delivery of ODNs. Aptamer-ODN chimeras can not only bind to multiple proteins on the cell surface with high specificity and selectivity, but they can also internalize into cells. Furthermore, they outperform traditional delivery systems in terms of cost-effectiveness and chemical modification flexibility. This review systematically summarizes the origin and progress of aptamer-ODN chimera therapy, discusses some innovative design strategies, and proposes views on the future direction of aptamer-ODN chimeras.