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Park SV, Kang B, Lee M, Yoo H, Jo H, Woo S, Oh SS. In vitro selection of a trans aptamer complex for target-responsive fluorescence activation. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1301:342465. [PMID: 38553123 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342465] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most biological molecular complexes consist of multiple functional domains, yet rationally constructing such multifunctional complexes is challenging. Aptamers, the nucleic acid-based functional molecules, can perform multiple tasks including target recognition, conformational changes, and enzymatic activities, while being chemically synthesizable and tunable, and thus provide a basis for engineering enhanced functionalities through combination of multiple units. However, the conventional approach of simply combining aptamer units in a serial manner is susceptible to undesired crosstalk or interference between the aptamer units and to false interactions with non-target molecules; besides, the approach would require additional mechanisms to separate the units if they are desired to function independently. It is clearly a challenge to develop multi-aptamer complexes that preserve independent functions of each unit while avoiding undesired interference and non-specific interactions. RESULTS By directly in vitro selecting a 'trans' aptamer complex, we demonstrate that one aptamer unit ('utility module') can remain hidden or 'inactive' until a target analyte triggers the other unit ('sensing module') and separates the two aptamers. Since the operation of the utility module occurs free from the sensing module, unnecessary crosstalk between the two units can be avoided. Because the utility module is kept inactive until separated from the complex, non-specific interactions of the hidden module with noncognate targets can be naturally prevented. In our demonstration, the sensing module was selected to detect serotonin, a clinically important neurotransmitter, and the target-binding-induced structure-switching of the sensing module reveals and activates the utility module that turns on a fluorescence signal. The aptamer complex exhibited a moderately high affinity and an excellent specificity for serotonin with ∼16-fold discrimination against common neurotransmitter molecules, and displayed strong robustness to perturbations in the design, disallowing nonspecific reactions against various challenges. SIGNIFICANCE This work represents the first example of a trans aptamer complex that was in vitro selected de novo. The trans aptamer complex selected by our strategy does not require chemical modifications or immediate optimization processes to function, because the complex is directly selected to perform desired functions. This strategy should be applicable to a wide range of functional nucleic acid moieties, which will open up diverse applications in biosensing and molecular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyeon V Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea
| | - Byunghwa Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea
| | - Minjong Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea
| | - Hyebin Yoo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea
| | - Hyesung Jo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea
| | - Sungwook Woo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea.
| | - Seung Soo Oh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea.
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Fu J, Yao F, An Y, Li X, Wang W, Yang XD. Novel bispecific aptamer targeting PD-1 and nucleolin for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Nanotechnol 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s12645-023-00177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is a promising strategy for cancer treatment and has achieved remarkable clinical results. Further improvement of ICB efficacy may advance cancer immunotherapy and has evident medical importance. Here in this study, a PD-1 aptamer was functionalized with a tumor-homing nucleolin aptamer (AS1411) to build a novel bispecific agent (BiApt) for boosting the efficacy of ICB therapy.
Results
The two aptamers were coupled together via sticky ends to form BiApt, which had an average size of 11.70 nm. Flow cytometry revealed that BiApt could bind with both the activated T cells and the nucleolin-expressing tumor cells. In addition, BiApt could recruit more T cells to the vicinity of nucleolin-positive tumor cells. Functionally, BiApt enhanced the PBMC-mediated anticancer cytotoxicity in vitro compared with free PD-1 aptamer. Moreover, in an animal model of CT26 colon cancer, BiApt significantly boosted the antitumor efficacy vs. free PD-1 aptamer.
Conclusion
The results suggest that bispecific agent combining ICB and tumor-homing functions has potential to improve the efficacy of ICB immunotherapy.
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Fu J, Dong H, Wu J, Jin Y. Emerging Progress of RNA-Based Antitumor Therapeutics. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3159-3183. [PMID: 37416764 PMCID: PMC10321292 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics (e.g., mRNAs, siRNAs, microRNAs, ASOs, and saRNAs) have considerable potential for tumor treatment. The development and optimization of RNA modifications and delivery systems enable the stable and efficient delivery of RNA cargos in vivo to elicit an antitumor response. Targeted RNA-based therapeutics with multiple specificities and high efficacies are now available. In this review, we discuss progress in RNA-based antitumor therapeutics, including mRNAs, siRNAs, miRNAs, ASOs, saRNAs, RNA aptamers, and CRISPR-based gene editing. We focus on the immunogenicity, stability, translation efficiency, and delivery of RNA drugs, and summarize their optimization and the development of delivery systems. In addition, we describe the mechanisms by which RNA-based therapeutics induce antitumor responses. Furthermore, we review the merits and limitations of RNA cargos and their therapeutic potential for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayan Fu
- National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haiyang Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310006, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310006, Hangzhou, China
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Chen Y, Tang R, Xiong W, Zhang F, Wang N, Xie B, Cao J, Chen Z, Ma C. RNA aptamers with specific binding affinity to CD40 (CD40Apt) represents a promising antagonist of the CD40-CD40L signaling for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) treatment in mouse. J Transl Med 2023; 21:396. [PMID: 37331977 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04217-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is the most common autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the orbit. The CD40-CD40L pathway has been regarded as a potential molecular mechanism contributing to the development and progression of TAO, and RNA aptamers with specific binding affinity to CD40 (CD40Apt) represents a promising inhibitor of the CD40-CD40L signaling in TAO treatment. In this study, CD40Apt was confirmed to specifically recognize mouse CD40-positive ortibtal fibroblast. Mouse orbital fibroblasts were isolated from TAO mice model orbital tissues and validated. In TGF-β-induced orbital fibroblast activation model in vitro, CD40Apt administration inhibited TGF-β-induced cell viability, decreased TGF-β-induced α-SMA, Collagen I, Timp-1, and vimentin levels, and suppressed TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Erk, p38, JNK, and NF-κB. In TAO mice model in vivo, CD40Apt caused no significant differences to the body weight of mice; furthermore, CD40Apt improved the eyelid broadening, ameliorated inflammatory infiltration and the hyperplasia in orbital muscle and adipose tissues in model mice. Concerning orbital fibroblast activation, CD40Apt reduced the levels of CD40, collagen I, TGF-β, and α-SMA in orbital muscle and adipose tissues of model mice. Finally, CD40Apt administration significantly suppressed Erk, p38, JNK, and NF-κB phosphorylation. In conclusion, CD40Apt, specifically binds to CD40 proteins in their natural state on the cell surface with high affinity, could suppress mouse orbital fibroblast activation, therefore improving TAO in mice model through the CD40 and downstream signaling pathways. CD40Apt represents a promising antagonist of the CD40-CD40L signaling for TAO treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Renhong Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Nuo Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bingyu Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiamin Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuokun Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Kim M, Jo H, Jung GY, Oh SS. Molecular Complementarity of Proteomimetic Materials for Target-Specific Recognition and Recognition-Mediated Complex Functions. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2208309. [PMID: 36525617 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
As biomolecules essential for sustaining life, proteins are generated from long chains of 20 different α-amino acids that are folded into unique 3D structures. In particular, many proteins have molecular recognition functions owing to their binding pockets, which have complementary shapes, charges, and polarities for specific targets, making these biopolymers unique and highly valuable for biomedical and biocatalytic applications. Based on the understanding of protein structures and microenvironments, molecular complementarity can be exhibited by synthesizable and modifiable materials. This has prompted researchers to explore the proteomimetic potentials of a diverse range of materials, including biologically available peptides and oligonucleotides, synthetic supramolecules, inorganic molecules, and related coordination networks. To fully resemble a protein, proteomimetic materials perform the molecular recognition to mediate complex molecular functions, such as allosteric regulation, signal transduction, enzymatic reactions, and stimuli-responsive motions; this can also expand the landscape of their potential bio-applications. This review focuses on the recognitive aspects of proteomimetic designs derived for individual materials and their conformations. Recent progress provides insights to help guide the development of advanced protein mimicry with material heterogeneity, design modularity, and tailored functionality. The perspectives and challenges of current proteomimetic designs and tools are also discussed in relation to future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minsun Kim
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesung Jo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Gyoo Yeol Jung
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Seung Soo Oh
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea
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Ding F, Zhang S, Chen Q, Feng H, Ge Z, Zuo X, Fan C, Li Q, Xia Q. Immunomodulation with Nucleic Acid Nanodevices. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2206228. [PMID: 36599642 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The precise regulation of interactions of specific immunological components is crucial for controllable immunomodulation, yet it remains a great challenge. With the assistance of advanced computer design, programmable nucleic acid nanotechnology enables the customization of synthetic nucleic acid nanodevices with unprecedented geometrical and functional precision, which have shown promising potential for precise immunoengineering. Notably, the inherently immunologic functions of nucleic acids endow these nucleic acid-based assemblies with innate advantages in immunomodulatory engagement. In this review, the roles of nucleic acids in innate immunity are discussed, focusing on the definition, immunologic modularity, and enhanced bioavailability of structural nucleic acid nanodevices. In light of this, molecular programming and precise organization of functional modules with nucleic acid nanodevices for immunomodulation are emphatically reviewed. At last, the present challenges and future perspectives of nucleic acid nanodevices for immunomodulation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Department of Liver Surgery, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Shuangye Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Qian Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Department of Liver Surgery, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Hao Feng
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Department of Liver Surgery, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Zhilei Ge
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolei Zuo
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Department of Liver Surgery, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Department of Liver Surgery, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
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7
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Wei Y, Qin G, Wang Z, Zhao C, Ren J, Qu X. Bioorthogonal Activation of TLR7 Agonists Provokes Innate Immunity to Reinforce Aptamer-Based Checkpoint Blockade. ACS NANO 2023; 17:5808-5820. [PMID: 36916491 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Although cancer immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint blockade has shown promising clinical responses, the limited host response rate and systemic side effects still restrict immunotherapy efficacy. To address these challenges, here, we construct an aptamer-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst for bioorthogonal activation of Toll-like receptors (TLR) 7 agonists and programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1) blockade for enhanced antitumor immunotherapy. The catalyst contains ultrasmall Pd nanoparticles enabling the local activation of TLR7 agonists in native form, which results in the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Meanwhile, the loaded PDL1 aptamers release in response to phosphate and block the PD1/PDL1 signaling pathway between T cells and cancer cells. Thus, synergy between TLR7 agonists and PDL1 blockade induces the infiltration and activation of immune cells to initiate a robust immune response, thereby simultaneously inhibiting primary and distant metastatic tumors. The immunotherapeutic effect of our design has been demonstrated in both single and bilateral subcutaneous colorectal cancer (CT26) models. In situ bioorthogonal activation of agonists may offer an alternative approach to improve the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy with minimized systemic toxicity. Our work will provide good inspiration for current checkpoint blockade-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wei
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, P. R. China
| | - Geng Qin
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, P. R. China
| | - Chuanqi Zhao
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, P. R. China
| | - Jinsong Ren
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, P. R. China
| | - Xiaogang Qu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, P. R. China
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Non-Covalent Linkage of Helper Functions to Dumbbell-Shaped DNA Vectors for Targeted Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020370. [PMID: 36839697 PMCID: PMC9962178 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Covalently closed dumbbell-shaped DNA delivery vectors comprising the double-stranded gene(s) of interest and single-stranded hairpin loops on both ends represent a safe, stable and efficacious alternative to viral and other non-viral DNA-based vector systems. As opposed to plasmids and DNA minicircles, dumbbells can be conjugated via the loops with helper functions for targeted delivery or imaging. Here, we investigated the non-covalent linkage of tri-antennary N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc3) or a homodimer of a CD137/4-1BB-binding aptamer (aptCD137-2) to extended dumbbell vector loops via complementary oligonucleotides for targeted delivery into hepatocytes or nasopharyngeal cancer cells. Enlarging the dumbbell loop size from 4 to 71 nucleotides for conjugation did not impair gene expression. GalNAc3 and aptCD137-2 residues were successfully attached to the extended dumbbell loop via complementary oligonucleotides. DNA and RNA oligonucleotide-based dumbbell-GalNAc3 conjugates were taken up from the cell culture medium by hepatoblastoma-derived human tissue culture cells (HepG2) with comparable efficiency. RNA oligonucleotide-linked conjugates triggered slightly higher levels of gene expression, presumably due to the RNaseH-mediated linker cleavage, the release of the dumbbell from the GalNAc3 residue and more efficient nuclear targeting of the unconjugated dumbbell DNA. The RNaseH-triggered RNA linker cleavage was confirmed in vitro. Finally, we featured dumbbell vectors expressing liver cancer cell-specific RNA trans-splicing-based suicide RNAs with GalNAc3 residues. Dumbbells conjugated with two GalNAc3 residues triggered significant levels of cell death when added to the cell culture medium. Dumbbell vector conjugates can be explored for targeted delivery and gene therapeutic applications.
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Panigaj M, Skelly E, Beasock D, Marriott I, Johnson MB, Salotti J, Afonin KA. Therapeutic immunomodulation by rationally designed nucleic acids and nucleic acid nanoparticles. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1053550. [PMID: 36798121 PMCID: PMC9927404 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1053550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system has evolved to defend organisms against exogenous threats such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites by distinguishing between "self" and "non-self". In addition, it guards us against other diseases, such as cancer, by detecting and responding to transformed and senescent cells. However, for survival and propagation, the altered cells and invading pathogens often employ a wide range of mechanisms to avoid, inhibit, or manipulate the immunorecognition. As such, the development of new modes of therapeutic intervention to augment protective and prevent harmful immune responses is desirable. Nucleic acids are biopolymers essential for all forms of life and, therefore, delineating the complex defensive mechanisms developed against non-self nucleic acids can offer an exciting avenue for future biomedicine. Nucleic acid technologies have already established numerous approaches in therapy and biotechnology; recently, rationally designed nucleic acids nanoparticles (NANPs) with regulated physiochemical properties and biological activities has expanded our repertoire of therapeutic options. When compared to conventional therapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs), NANP technologies can be rendered more beneficial for synchronized delivery of multiple TNAs with defined stabilities, immunological profiles, and therapeutic functions. This review highlights several recent advances and possible future directions of TNA and NANP technologies that are under development for controlled immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Panigaj
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States.,Institute of Biology & Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Elizabeth Skelly
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Damian Beasock
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Ian Marriott
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - M Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Jacqueline Salotti
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
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Zon G. Recent advances in aptamer applications for analytical biochemistry. Anal Biochem 2022; 644:113894. [PMID: 32763306 PMCID: PMC7403853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.113894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are typically defined as relatively short (20-60 nucleotides) single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that bind with high affinity and specificity to various types of targets. Aptamers are frequently referred to as "synthetic antibodies" but are easier to obtain, less expensive to produce, and in several ways more versatile than antibodies. The beginnings of aptamers date back to 1990, and since then there has been a continual increase in aptamer publications. The intent of the present account was to focus on recent original research publications, i.e., those appearing in 2019 through April 2020, when this account was written. A Google Scholar search of this recent literature was performed for relevance-ranking of articles. New methods for selection of aptamers were not included. Nine categories of applications were organized and representative examples of each are given. Finally, an outlook is offered focusing on "faster, better, cheaper" application performance factors as key drivers for future innovations in aptamer applications.
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Thomas BJ, Porciani D, Burke DH. Cancer immunomodulation using bispecific aptamers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:894-915. [PMID: 35141049 PMCID: PMC8803965 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evasion of immune destruction is a major hallmark of cancer. Recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of various immunomodulating therapies underline the important role that reprogramming the immune system can play in combating this disease. However, a wide range of side effects still limit the therapeutic potential of immunomodulators, suggesting a need for more precise reagents with negligible off-target and on-target/off-tumor effects. Aptamers are single-chained oligonucleotides that bind their targets with high specificity and affinity owing to their three-dimensional (3D) structures, and they are one potential way to address this need. In particular, bispecific aptamers (bsApts) have been shown to induce artificial immune synapses that promote T cell activation and subsequent tumor cell lysis in various in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical models. We discuss these advances here, along with gaps in bsApt biology at both the cellular and resident tissue levels that should be addressed to accelerate their translation into the clinic. The broad application, minimal production cost, and relative lack of immunogenicity of bsApts give them some ideal qualities for manipulating the immune system. Building upon lessons from other novel therapies, bsApts could soon provide clinicians with an immunomodulating toolbox that is not only potent and efficacious but exercises a wide therapeutic index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Thomas
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - David Porciani
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Donald H. Burke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
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12
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Pandey PR, Young KH, Kumar D, Jain N. RNA-mediated immunotherapy regulating tumor immune microenvironment: next wave of cancer therapeutics. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:58. [PMID: 35189921 PMCID: PMC8860277 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01528-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAccumulating research suggests that the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) plays an essential role in regulation of tumor growth and metastasis. The cellular and molecular nature of the TIME influences cancer progression and metastasis by altering the ratio of immune- suppressive versus cytotoxic responses in the vicinity of the tumor. Targeting or activating the TIME components show a promising therapeutic avenue to combat cancer. The success of immunotherapy is both astounding and unsatisfactory in the clinic. Advancements in RNA-based technology have improved understanding of the complexity and diversity of the TIME and its effects on therapy. TIME-related RNA or RNA regulators could be promising targets for anticancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the available RNA-based cancer immunotherapies targeting the TIME. More importantly, we summarize the potential of various RNA-based therapeutics clinically available for cancer treatment. RNA-dependent targeting of the TIME, as monotherapy or combined with other evolving therapeutics, might be beneficial for cancer patients’ treatment in the near future.
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13
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Cui C, Chakraborty K, Tang XA, Schoenfelt KQ, Hoffman A, Blank A, McBeth B, Pulliam N, Reardon CA, Kulkarni SA, Vaisar T, Ballabio A, Krishnan Y, Becker L. A lysosome-targeted DNA nanodevice selectively targets macrophages to attenuate tumours. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 16:1394-1402. [PMID: 34764452 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-021-00988-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Activating CD8+ T cells by antigen cross-presentation is remarkably effective at eliminating tumours. Although this function is traditionally attributed to dendritic cells, tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) can also cross-present antigens. TAMs are the most abundant tumour-infiltrating leukocyte. Yet, TAMs have not been leveraged to activate CD8+ T cells because mechanisms that modulate their ability to cross-present antigens are incompletely understood. Here we show that TAMs harbour hyperactive cysteine protease activity in their lysosomes, which impedes antigen cross-presentation, thereby preventing CD8+ T cell activation. We developed a DNA nanodevice (E64-DNA) that targets the lysosomes of TAMs in mice. E64-DNA inhibits the population of cysteine proteases that is present specifically inside the lysosomes of TAMs, improves their ability to cross-present antigens and attenuates tumour growth via CD8+ T cells. When combined with cyclophosphamide, E64-DNA showed sustained tumour regression in a triple-negative-breast-cancer model. Our studies demonstrate that DNA nanodevices can be targeted with organelle-level precision to reprogram macrophages and achieve immunomodulation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Cui
- Committee on Cancer Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kasturi Chakraborty
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xu Anna Tang
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kelly Q Schoenfelt
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexandria Hoffman
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ariane Blank
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Blake McBeth
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Natalie Pulliam
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Catherine A Reardon
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Swati A Kulkarni
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tomas Vaisar
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
- Neurological Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yamuna Krishnan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Grossman Institute of Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Lev Becker
- Committee on Cancer Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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14
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Conde E, Vercher E, Soria-Castellano M, Suarez-Olmos J, Mancheño U, Elizalde E, Rodriguez ML, Glez-Vaz J, Casares N, Rodríguez-García E, Hommel M, González-Aseguinolaza G, Uranga-Murillo I, Pardo J, Alkorta G, Melero I, Lasarte J, Hervas-Stubbs S. Epitope spreading driven by the joint action of CART cells and pharmacological STING stimulation counteracts tumor escape via antigen-loss variants. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003351. [PMID: 34810235 PMCID: PMC8609946 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Target antigen (Ag) loss has emerged as a major cause of relapse after chimeric antigen receptor T (CART)-cell therapy. We reasoned that the combination of CART cells, with the consequent tumor debulking and release of Ags, together with an immunomodulatory agent, such as the stimulator of interferon gene ligand (STING-L) 2′3′-cyclic GMP-AMP (2′3′-cGAMP), may facilitate the activation of an endogenous response to secondary tumor Ags able to counteract this tumor escape mechanism. Methods Mice bearing B16-derived tumors expressing prostate-specific membrane Ag or gp75 were treated systemically with cognate CART cells followed by intratumoral injections of 2′3′-cGAMP. We studied the target Ag inmunoediting by CART cells and the effect of the CART/STING-L combination on the control of STING-L-treated and STING-L-non-treated tumors and on the endogenous antitumor T-cell response. The role of Batf3-dependent dendritic cells (DCs), stimulator of interferon gene (STING) signaling and perforin (Perf)-mediated killing in the efficacy of the combination were analyzed. Results Using an immune-competent solid tumor model, we showed that CART cells led to the emergence of tumor cells that lose the target Ag, recreating the cancer immunoediting effect of CART-cell therapy. In this setting, the CART/STING-L combination, but not the monotherapy with CART cells or STING-L, restrained tumor progression and enhanced overall survival, showing abscopal effects on distal STING-L-non-treated tumors. Interestingly, a secondary immune response against non-chimeric antigen receptor-targeted Ags (epitope spreading), as determined by major histocompatibility complex-I-tetramer staining, was fostered and its intensity correlated with the efficacy of the combination. This was consistent with the oligoclonal expansion of host T cells, as revealed by in-depth T-cell receptor repertoire analysis. Moreover, only in the combination group did the activation of endogenous T cells translate into a systemic antitumor response. Importantly, the epitope spreading and the antitumor effects of the combination were fully dependent on host STING signaling and Batf3-dependent DCs, and were partially dependent on Perf release by CART cells. Interestingly, the efficacy of the CART/STING-L treatment also depended on STING signaling in CART cells. Conclusions Our data show that 2′3′-cGAMP is a suitable adjuvant to combine with CART-cell therapy, allowing the induction of an endogenous T-cell response that prevents the outgrowth of Ag-loss tumor variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Conde
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enric Vercher
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Soria-Castellano
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jesús Suarez-Olmos
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Uxua Mancheño
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Edurne Elizalde
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - M Luis Rodriguez
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier Glez-Vaz
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Noelia Casares
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Estefanía Rodríguez-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Programa de Terapia Génica y Regulación de la Expresión Génica, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mirja Hommel
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Programa de Terapia Génica y Regulación de la Expresión Génica, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gloria González-Aseguinolaza
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Programa de Terapia Génica y Regulación de la Expresión Génica, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iratxe Uranga-Murillo
- Microbiología Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Aragón (CIBA), Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Julian Pardo
- Microbiología Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Aragón (CIBA), Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,Fundacion ARAID, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Gorka Alkorta
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.,CIMA LAB Diagnostics, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Immunología e Immunoterapia, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Lasarte
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervas-Stubbs
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain .,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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15
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Kelly L, Maier KE, Yan A, Levy M. A comparative analysis of cell surface targeting aptamers. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6275. [PMID: 34725326 PMCID: PMC8560833 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26463-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers represent a potentially important class of ligands for the development of diagnostics and therapeutics. However, it is often difficult to compare the function and specificity of many of these molecules as assay formats and conditions vary greatly. Here, with an interest in developing aptamer targeted therapeutics that could effectively deliver cargoes to cells, we chemically synthesize 15 aptamers that have been reported to target cell surface receptors or cells. Using standardized assay conditions, we assess each aptamer’s binding properties on a panel of 11 different cancer cell lines, correlate aptamer binding to antibody controls and use siRNA transfection to validate each aptamer’s binding to reported target receptors. Using a subset of these molecules known to be expressed on prostate cancers, we use near-infrared in vivo imaging to assess the tumor localization following intravenous injection. Our data demonstrate some surprising differences in the reported specificity and function for many of these molecules and raise concerns regarding their cell targeting capabilities. They also identify an anti-human transferrin aptamer, Waz, as a robust candidate for targeting prostate cancers and for future development of aptamer-based therapeutics. Aptamers could potentially be widely used in therapy and diagnostics. Here the authors use standardised assay conditions to compare aptamer properties in tumour targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linsley Kelly
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.,Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Keith E Maier
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.,EpiCypher Inc, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Amy Yan
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.,Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Matthew Levy
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA. .,Creyon Bio, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
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16
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Wei J, Gilboa E, Calin GA, Heimberger AB. Immune Modulatory Short Noncoding RNAs Targeting the Glioblastoma Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:682129. [PMID: 34532286 PMCID: PMC8438301 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.682129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas are heterogeneous and have a poor prognosis. Glioblastoma cells interact with their neighbors to form a tumor-permissive and immunosuppressive microenvironment. Short noncoding RNAs are relevant mediators of the dynamic crosstalk among cancer, stromal, and immune cells in establishing the glioblastoma microenvironment. In addition to the ease of combinatorial strategies that are capable of multimodal modulation for both reversing immune suppression and enhancing antitumor immunity, their small size provides an opportunity to overcome the limitations of blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability. To enhance glioblastoma delivery, these RNAs have been conjugated with various molecules or packed within delivery vehicles for enhanced tissue-specific delivery and increased payload. Here, we focus on the role of RNA therapeutics by appraising which types of nucleotides are most effective in immune modulation, lead therapeutic candidates, and clarify how to optimize delivery of the therapeutic RNAs and their conjugates specifically to the glioblastoma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wei
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Eli Gilboa
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dodson Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - George A Calin
- Departments of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Amy B Heimberger
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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17
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Zheng Y, Zhang C, Lai Z, Zeng Y, Li J, Zhang D, Liu X. Redirecting natural killer cells to potentiate adoptive immunotherapy in solid tumors through stabilized Y-type bispecific aptamer. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:11279-11288. [PMID: 34156057 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr00836f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Modulating interactions between immune effector cells and tumor cells in vivo using a bispecific aptamer (Ap) is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. However, it remains a technical challenge owing to the complex and dynamic internal environment accompanied by severe degradation. Herein, by using a Y-shaped DNA scaffold, a bispecific and stabilized Y-type Ap is designed to redirect natural killer (NK) cells to enhance adoptive immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) solid tumors. Y-type Ap is constituted by the HCC-specific Ap TLS11a linked with the CD16-specific Ap through a Y-shaped DNA scaffold. Owing to the rigid structure, Y-type Ap shows high stability in 10% serum for over 72 h and resistance to denaturation by 8 M urea. Additionally, the Y-type Ap exhibits more potent avidity to bind with NK cells and tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo, resulting in higher cytokine secretion and excellent antitumor efficiency. Collectively, this study offers a translational platform for constructing stable bispecific Ap, offering considerable potential to enhance adoptive immunotherapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youshi Zheng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China
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18
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Mascarelli DE, Rosa RSM, Toscaro JM, Semionatto IF, Ruas LP, Fogagnolo CT, Lima GC, Bajgelman MC. Boosting Antitumor Response by Costimulatory Strategies Driven to 4-1BB and OX40 T-cell Receptors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:692982. [PMID: 34277638 PMCID: PMC8277962 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.692982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy explores several strategies to enhance the host immune system’s ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells. The use of antibodies that block immunological checkpoints, such as anti–programed death 1/programed death 1 ligand and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein 4, is widely recognized to generate a long-lasting antitumor immune response in several types of cancer. Evidence indicates that the elimination of tumors by T cells is the key for tumor control. It is well known that costimulatory and coinhibitory pathways are critical regulators in the activation of T cells. Besides blocking checkpoints inhibitors, the agonistic signaling on costimulatory molecules also plays an important role in T-cell activation and antitumor response. Therefore, molecules driven to costimulatory pathways constitute promising targets in cancer therapy. The costimulation of tumor necrosis factor superfamily receptors on lymphocytes surface may transduce signals that control the survival, proliferation, differentiation, and effector functions of these immune cells. Among the members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, there are 4-1BB and OX40. Several clinical studies have been carried out targeting these molecules, with agonist monoclonal antibodies, and preclinical studies exploring their ligands and other experimental approaches. In this review, we discuss functional aspects of 4-1BB and OX40 costimulation, as well as the progress of its application in immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele E Mascarelli
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rhubia S M Rosa
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Jessica M Toscaro
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Medical School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Isadora F Semionatto
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Luciana P Ruas
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Carolinne T Fogagnolo
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gabriel C Lima
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Pro Rectory of Graduation, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcio C Bajgelman
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Medical School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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19
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Roy D, Pascher A, Juratli MA, Sporn JC. The Potential of Aptamer-Mediated Liquid Biopsy for Early Detection of Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115601. [PMID: 34070509 PMCID: PMC8199038 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The early detection of cancer favors a greater chance of curative treatment and long-term survival. Exciting new technologies have been developed that can help to catch the disease early. Liquid biopsy is a promising non-invasive tool to detect cancer, even at an early stage, as well as to continuously monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy. Various methods have been implemented to isolate and purify bio-analytes in liquid biopsy specimens. Aptamers are short oligonucleotides consisting of either DNA or RNA that are capable of binding to target molecules with high specificity. Due to their unique properties, they are considered promising recognition ligands for the early detection of cancer by liquid biopsy. A variety of circulating targets have been isolated with high affinity and specificity by facile modification and affinity regulation of the aptamers. In this review, we discuss recent progress in aptamer-mediated liquid biopsy for cancer detection, its associated challenges, and its future potential for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruvajyoti Roy
- Helio Health, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-949-8722383
| | - Andreas Pascher
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (A.P.); (M.A.J.); (J.C.S.)
| | - Mazen A. Juratli
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (A.P.); (M.A.J.); (J.C.S.)
| | - Judith C. Sporn
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (A.P.); (M.A.J.); (J.C.S.)
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20
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Freage L, Boykoff N, Mallikaratchy P. Utility of Multivalent Aptamers to Develop Nanoscale DNA Devices against Surface Receptors. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:12382-12391. [PMID: 34056390 PMCID: PMC8154169 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c01513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology is undergoing rapid progress in the assembly of functional devices with biological relevance. In particular, currently, the research attention is more focused on the application of nanodevices at the interface of chemistry and biology, on the cell membrane where protein receptors communicate with the extracellular environment. This review explores the use of multivalent nucleic acid ligands termed aptamers in the design of DNA-based nanodevices to probe cellular interactions followed by a perspective on the untapped utility of XNA and UBP nanotechnology in designing functional nanomaterials with broader structural space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Freage
- Department
of Chemistry, Lehman College, The City University
of New York, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10468, United
States
| | - Natalie Boykoff
- Ph.D.
Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Prabodhika Mallikaratchy
- Department
of Chemistry, Lehman College, The City University
of New York, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10468, United
States
- Ph.D.
Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Ph.D.
Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New
York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10016, United States
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21
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Bai H, Peng R, Wang D, Sawyer M, Fu T, Cui C, Tan W. A minireview on multiparameter-activated nanodevices for cancer imaging and therapy. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:21571-21582. [PMID: 33108432 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr04080k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive nanodevices are essential tools for cancer imaging and therapy. Exploiting the advantages of molecular engineering, nanodevices are emerging for biomedical applications. In order to reach targeted cancer areas, activated nanodevices first respond to the TME and then serve as an actuator for sensing, imaging and therapy. Most nanodevices depend on a single parameter as an input for their downstream activation, potentially leading to inaccurate diagnostic results and poor therapeutic outcomes. However, in the TME, some biomarkers are cross-linked, and such correlated biomarkers are potentially useful for cancer imaging and theranostic applications. Based on this phenomenon, researchers have developed approaches for the construction of multiparameter-activated nanodevices (MANs) to improve accuracy. This minireview summarizes the recent advances in the development of MANs for cancer imaging including fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic (PA) imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging, as well as cancer therapy including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, photoinduced therapy and immunotherapy. We highlight different approaches for improving the specificity and precision of cancer imaging and therapy. In the future, MANs will show promise for clinical work in multimodal diagnosis and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huarong Bai
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Nimjee SM, Sullenger BA. Therapeutic Aptamers: Evolving to Find their Clinical Niche. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:4181-4193. [PMID: 31573879 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666191001125101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery that short oligonucleotides, termed aptamers, can fold into three-dimensional structures that allow them to selectively bind and inhibit the activity of pathogenic proteins is now over 25 years old. The invention of the SELEX methodology heralded in an era in which such nucleic acid-based ligands could be generated against a wide variety of therapeutic targets. RESULTS A large number of aptamers have now been identified by combinatorial chemistry methods in the laboratory and moreover, an increasing number have been discovered in nature. The affinities and activities of such aptamers have often been compared to that of antibodies, yet only a few of these agents have made it into clinical studies compared to a large and increasing number of therapeutic antibodies. One therapeutic aptamer targeting VEGF has made it to market, while 3 others have advanced as far as phase III clinical trials. CONCLUSION In this manuscript, we hope the reader appreciates that the success of aptamers becoming a class of drugs is less about nucleic acid biochemistry and more about target validation and overall drug chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid M Nimjee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Bruce A Sullenger
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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23
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Varied functions of immune checkpoints during cancer metastasis. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 70:569-588. [PMID: 32902664 PMCID: PMC7907026 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02717-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoints comprise diverse receptors and ligands including costimulatory and inhibitory molecules, which play monumental roles in regulating the immune system. Immune checkpoints retain key potentials in maintaining the immune system homeostasis and hindering the malignancy development and autoimmunity. The expression of inhibitory immune checkpoints delineates an increase in a plethora of metastatic tumors and the inhibition of these immune checkpoints can be followed by promising results. On the other hand, the stimulation of costimulatory immune checkpoints can restrain the metastasis originating from diverse tumors. From the review above, key findings emerged regarding potential functions of inhibitory and costimulatory immune checkpoints targeting the metastatic cascade and point towards novel potential Achilles’ heels of cancer that might be exploited therapeutically in the future.
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24
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Zhang D, Zheng Y, Lin Z, Liu X, Li J, Yang H, Tan W. Equipping Natural Killer Cells with Specific Targeting and Checkpoint Blocking Aptamers for Enhanced Adoptive Immunotherapy in Solid Tumors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:12022-12028. [PMID: 32246555 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202002145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we propose an aptamer-equipping strategy to generate specific, universal and permeable (SUPER) NK cells for enhanced immunotherapy in solid tumors. NK cells were chemically equipped with TLS11a aptamer targeting HepG2 cells and PDL1-specific aptamer without genetic alteration. The dual aptamer-equipped NK cells exhibited high specificity to tumor cells, resulting in higher cytokine secretion and apoptosis/necrosis compared to parental or single aptamer-equipped NK cells. Interestingly, dual aptamer-equipped NK cells induced remarkable upregulation of PDL1 expression in HepG2 cells, enhancing checkpoint blockade. Furthermore, in vivo intravital imaging demonstrated high infiltration of aptamer-equipped NK cells into deep tumor region, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy in solid tumors. This work offers a straightforward chemical strategy to equip NK cells with aptamers, holding considerable potential for enhanced adoptive immunotherapy in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, P. R. China.,The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, P. R. China
| | - Youshi Zheng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, P. R. China
| | - Ziguo Lin
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, P. R. China
| | - Juan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, P. R. China.,Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Huanghao Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, P. R. China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
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25
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Zhang D, Zheng Y, Lin Z, Liu X, Li J, Yang H, Tan W. Equipping Natural Killer Cells with Specific Targeting and Checkpoint Blocking Aptamers for Enhanced Adoptive Immunotherapy in Solid Tumors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202002145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Da Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment College of Chemistry Fuzhou University Fuzhou 350116 P. R. China
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University Fuzhou 350025 P. R. China
| | - Youshi Zheng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University Fuzhou 350025 P. R. China
| | - Ziguo Lin
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University Fuzhou 350025 P. R. China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University Fuzhou 350025 P. R. China
| | - Juan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment College of Chemistry Fuzhou University Fuzhou 350116 P. R. China
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM) Chinese Academy of Sciences The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou Zhejiang 310022 China
| | - Huanghao Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection Technology for Food Safety State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment College of Chemistry Fuzhou University Fuzhou 350116 P. R. China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM) Chinese Academy of Sciences The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou Zhejiang 310022 China
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26
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Tran PHL, Xiang D, Tran TTD, Yin W, Zhang Y, Kong L, Chen K, Sun M, Li Y, Hou Y, Zhu Y, Duan W. Exosomes and Nanoengineering: A Match Made for Precision Therapeutics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1904040. [PMID: 31531916 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201904040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Targeted exosomal delivery systems for precision nanomedicine attract wide interest across areas of molecular cell biology, pharmaceutical sciences, and nanoengineering. Exosomes are naturally derived 50-150 nm nanovesicles that play important roles in cell-to-cell and/or cell-to-tissue communications and cross-species communication. Exosomes are also a promising class of novel drug delivery vehicles owing to their ability to shield their payload from chemical and enzymatic degradations as well as to evade recognition by and subsequent removal by the immune system. Combined with a new class of affinity ligands known as aptamers or chemical antibodies, molecularly targeted exosomes are poised to become the next generation of smartly engineered nanovesicles for precision medicine. Here, recent advances in targeted exosomal delivery systems engineered by aptamer for future strategies to promote human health using this class of human-derived nanovesicles are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong H L Tran
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Dongxi Xiang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louise Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Thao T D Tran
- Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Wang Yin
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Yumei Zhang
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Lingxue Kong
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Kuisheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, He'nan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Miaomiao Sun
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, He'nan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yong Li
- Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, and St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2217, Australia
| | - Yingchun Hou
- Laboratory of Tumor Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 West Chang'an Avenue, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China
| | - Yimin Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Wei Duan
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
- GenePharma-Deakin Joint Laboratory of Aptamer Medicine, Suzhou, 215123, China
- GenePharma-Deakin Joint Laboratory of Aptamer Medicine, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
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27
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Fu Z, Xiang J. Aptamers, the Nucleic Acid Antibodies, in Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082793. [PMID: 32316469 PMCID: PMC7215806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The arrival of the monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology in the 1970s brought with it the hope of conquering cancers to the medical community. However, mAbs, on the whole, did not achieve the expected wonder in cancer therapy although they do have demonstrated successfulness in the treatment of a few types of cancers. In 1990, another technology of making biomolecules capable of specific binding appeared. This technique, systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), can make aptamers, single-stranded DNAs or RNAs that bind targets with high specificity and affinity. Aptamers have some advantages over mAbs in therapeutic uses particularly because they have little or no immunogenicity, which means the feasibility of repeated use and fewer side effects. In this review, the general properties of the aptamer, the advantages and limitations of aptamers, the principle and procedure of aptamer production with SELEX, particularly the undergoing studies in aptamers for cancer therapy, and selected anticancer aptamers that have entered clinical trials or are under active investigations are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoying Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (J.X.)
| | - Jim Xiang
- Division of Oncology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SA S7N 4H4, Canada
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (J.X.)
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28
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Sun Y, Gao F, Yang C, Li Y, Jin C, Xie S, Lv C, Ding D, Han D, Li J, Wang R, Tan W. Construction of Bispecific Aptamer-Drug Conjugate by a Hybrid Chemical and Biological Approach. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:1289-1294. [PMID: 32223180 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bispecific aptamer-drug conjugates (BsApDC) may improve the efficacy of drugs by enhancing cellular internalization and targeted delivery. Nevertheless, the synthesis of single-molecular BsApDC has not yet been reported, and it could be thwarted by synthetic challenges. Herein we report a general approach to synthesize a BsApDC hybridized chemical and biological method. Primers incorporated with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), 10-Hydroxycamptothecin, and Maleimidocaproyl-valine-citrulline-p-aminobenzoyloxycarbonyl-monomethyl auristatin E(vcMMAE) were prepared by chemical synthesis, which were converted to corresponding ApDCs efficiently by enzymatic reaction. Biological studies revealed that BsApDC binds with target cells with enhanced internalization and better inhibitory activity, demonstrating the potential of BsApDCs for targeted tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Sun
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Cai Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yingying Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Sitao Xie
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Cheng Lv
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ding Ding
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Da Han
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Juan Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ruowen Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240, China.,Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan 410082, China.,Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
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29
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Chiu D, Tavaré R, Haber L, Aina OH, Vazzana K, Ram P, Danton M, Finney J, Jalal S, Krueger P, Giurleo JT, Ma D, Smith E, Thurston G, Kirshner JR, Crawford A. A PSMA-Targeting CD3 Bispecific Antibody Induces Antitumor Responses that Are Enhanced by 4-1BB Costimulation. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:596-608. [PMID: 32184296 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Patients with hematologic cancers have improved outcomes after treatment with bispecific antibodies that bind to CD3 on T cells and that redirect T cells toward cancer cells. However, clinical benefit against solid tumors remains to be shown. We made a bispecific antibody that targets both the common prostate tumor-specific antigen PSMA and CD3 (PMSAxCD3) and provide evidence for tumor inhibition in several preclinical solid tumor models. Mice expressing the human extracellular regions of CD3 and PSMA were generated to examine antitumor efficacy in the presence of an intact immune system and PSMA expression in normal tissues. PSMAxCD3 accumulated in PSMA-expressing tissues and tumors as detected by immuno-PET imaging. Although PSMAxCD3 induced T-cell activation and showed antitumor efficacy in mice with low tumor burden, PSMAxCD3 lost efficacy against larger solid tumors, mirroring the difficulty of treating solid tumors in the clinic. Costimulatory receptors can enhance T-cell responses. We show here that costimulation can enhance the antitumor efficacy of PSMAxCD3. In particular, 4-1BB stimulation in combination with PSMAxCD3 enhanced T-cell activation and proliferation, boosted efficacy against larger tumors, and induced T-cell memory, leading to durable antitumor responses. The combination of CD3 bispecific antibodies and anti-4-1BB costimulation represents a therapeutic approach for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danica Chiu
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York
| | | | - Lauric Haber
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York
| | | | | | - Priyanka Ram
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York
| | | | | | - Sumreen Jalal
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York
| | | | | | - Dangshe Ma
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York
| | - Eric Smith
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York
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30
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Bai C, Gao S, Hu S, Liu X, Li H, Dong J, Huang A, Zhu L, Zhou P, Li S, Shao N. Self-Assembled Multivalent Aptamer Nanoparticles with Potential CAR-like Characteristics Could Activate T Cells and Inhibit Melanoma Growth. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 17:9-20. [PMID: 32280743 PMCID: PMC7139145 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the CAR-like multivalent aptamer nanoparticles (X-polymers) were assembled with the dimer of murine CD28 RNA aptamer (CD28Apt7), the tetramer of CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) RNA aptamer (Del60), and a folic acid labeled ssDNA fragment in a stable nucleic acid three-way junction scaffold (3WJ). Results showed that the X-polymers could recognize both the mCD28 and mCTLA-4 molecules. Confocal imaging and flow cytometry assays showed that the X-polymers could target both T cells and B16 cells in vitro. With the first costimulatory signals provided by the CD3 antibodies, the X-polymers could increase T cell proliferation and reverse the inhibitory effect of interleukin-2 (IL-2) secreting caused by exogenous B7.1 molecules on T cells in vitro. Results of our study also showed that X-polymers could inhibit mouse melanoma B16 cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Our study demonstrated for the first time that the multivalent aptamer nanoparticle-activated T cells could fulfill the function of CAR-T, which promised a novel approach to developing a multi-functional design of aptamer drugs with potential CAR-like characteristics to enhance the safety of CAR-T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjun Bai
- Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, Beijing 100850, China.,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Sai Hu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Aixue Huang
- Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Lingling Zhu
- Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Pingkun Zhou
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shaohua Li
- Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, Beijing 100850, China.,The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Ningsheng Shao
- Institute of Military Cognition and Brain Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
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31
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Gupta PK, Dharanivasan G, Misra R, Gupta S, Verma RS. Nanomedicine in Cancer Stem Cell Therapy. Nanobiomedicine (Rij) 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9898-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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32
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Malik A, Srinivasan S, Batra J. A New Era of Prostate Cancer Precision Medicine. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1263. [PMID: 31850193 PMCID: PMC6901987 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most common male cancer affecting Western society. Despite substantial advances in the exploration of prostate cancer biomarkers and treatment strategies, men are over diagnosed with inert prostate cancer, while there is also a substantial mortality from the invasive disease. Precision medicine is the management of treatment profiles across different cancers predicting therapies for individual cancer patients. With strategies including individual genomic profiling and targeting specific cancer pathways, precision medicine for prostate cancer has the potential to impose changes in clinical practices. Some of the recent advances in prostate cancer precision medicine comprise targeting gene fusions, genome editing tools, non-coding RNA biomarkers, and the promise of liquid tumor profiling. In this review, we will discuss these recent scientific advances to scale up these approaches and endeavors to overcome clinical barriers for prostate cancer precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Malik
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre–Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Srilakshmi Srinivasan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre–Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Jyotsna Batra
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre–Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
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33
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Panigaj M, Johnson MB, Ke W, McMillan J, Goncharova EA, Chandler M, Afonin KA. Aptamers as Modular Components of Therapeutic Nucleic Acid Nanotechnology. ACS NANO 2019; 13:12301-12321. [PMID: 31664817 PMCID: PMC7382785 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b06522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids play a central role in all domains of life, either as genetic blueprints or as regulators of various biochemical pathways. The chemical makeup of ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), generally represented by a sequence of four monomers, also provides precise instructions for folding and higher-order assembly of these biopolymers that, in turn, dictate biological functions. The sequence-based specific 3D structures of nucleic acids led to the development of the directed evolution of oligonucleotides, SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), against a chosen target molecule. Among the variety of functions, selected oligonucleotides named aptamers also allow targeting of cell-specific receptors with antibody-like precision and can deliver functional RNAs without a transfection agent. The advancements in the field of customizable nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) opened avenues for the design of nanoassemblies utilizing aptamers for triggering or blocking cell signaling pathways or using aptamer-receptor combinations to activate therapeutic functionalities. A recent selection of fluorescent aptamers enables real-time tracking of NANP formation and interactions. The aptamers are anticipated to contribute to the future development of technologies, enabling an efficient assembly of functional NANPs in mammalian cells or in vivo. These research topics are of top importance for the field of therapeutic nucleic acid nanotechnology with the promises to scale up mass production of NANPs suitable for biomedical applications, to control the intracellular organization of biological materials to enhance the efficiency of biochemical pathways, and to enhance the therapeutic potential of NANP-based therapeutics while minimizing undesired side effects and toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Panigaj
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice 04154, Slovak Republic
| | - M. Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Weina Ke
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Jessica McMillan
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Ekaterina A. Goncharova
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, St. Petersburg 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Morgan Chandler
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
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Fan J, Wang HH, Xie S, Wang M, Nie Z. Engineering Cell-Surface Receptors with DNA Nanotechnology for Cell Manipulation. Chembiochem 2019; 21:282-293. [PMID: 31364788 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell-surface receptors play pivotal roles in the regulation of cell fate. Molecular engineering of cell-surface receptors enables control of cell signaling and manipulation of cell behavior in a user-defined way. Currently, the development of chemical-biological approaches for non-genetic engineering and regulation of membrane receptors is attracting significant interest. Recent research advances in functional nucleic acids and DNA nanotechnology have made it possible to use DNA as a new and promising molecular toolkit for controlling receptor-mediated signaling and cell fates. In this minireview we summarize the advances in the use of DNA nanotechnology for the spatiotemporal regulation of cell receptors and highlight practical applications in manipulating cell functions including cell adhesion, cell-cell contact, cell migration, and cellular immunity. We also provide a perspective on the potential of and challenges facing DNA-based receptor engineering in future applications of cell manipulation and cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Hong-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Shiyi Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Miao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Zhou Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
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Mikkelsen K, Harwood SL, Compte M, Merino N, Mølgaard K, Lykkemark S, Alvarez-Mendez A, Blanco FJ, Álvarez-Vallina L. Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)-Specific 4-1BB-Costimulation Induced by CEA-Targeted 4-1BB-Agonistic Trimerbodies. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1791. [PMID: 31417564 PMCID: PMC6685135 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
4-1BB (CD137) is an inducible costimulatory receptor that promotes expansion and survival of activated T cells; and IgG-based 4-1BB-agonistic monoclonal antibodies exhibited potent antitumor activity in clinical trials. However, the clinical development of those antibodies is restricted by major off-tumor toxicities associated with FcγR interactions. We have recently generated an EGFR-targeted 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody that demonstrated strong antitumor activity and did not induce systemic inflammatory cytokine secretion and hepatotoxicity associated with first-generation 4-1BB agonists. Here, we generate a bispecific 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody targeting the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) that is highly expressed in cancers of diverse origins. The CEA-targeted anti-4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody consists of three 4-1BB-specific single-chain fragment variable antibodies and three anti-CEA single-domain antibodies positioned around a murine collagen XVIII-derived homotrimerization domain. The trimerbody was produced as a homogenous, non-aggregating, soluble protein purifiable by standard affinity chromatographic methods. The purified trimerbody was found to be trimeric in solution, very efficient at recognizing 4-1BB and CEA, and potently costimulating T cells in vitro in the presence of CEA. Therefore, trimerbody-based tumor-targeted 4-1BB costimulation is a broadly applicable and clinically feasible approach to enhance the costimulatory environment of disseminated tumor lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Mikkelsen
- Immunotherapy and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Seandean Lykke Harwood
- Immunotherapy and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marta Compte
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nekane Merino
- Structural Biology Unit, CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Derio, Spain
| | - Kasper Mølgaard
- Immunotherapy and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Simon Lykkemark
- Immunotherapy and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Francisco J Blanco
- Structural Biology Unit, CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Derio, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Luis Álvarez-Vallina
- Immunotherapy and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
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Soldevilla MM, Villanueva H, Meraviglia-Crivelli D, Menon AP, Ruiz M, Cebollero J, Villalba M, Moreno B, Lozano T, Llopiz D, Pejenaute Á, Sarobe P, Pastor F. ICOS Costimulation at the Tumor Site in Combination with CTLA-4 Blockade Therapy Elicits Strong Tumor Immunity. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1878-1891. [PMID: 31405808 PMCID: PMC6838990 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) blockade therapy is able to induce long-lasting antitumor responses in a fraction of cancer patients. Nonetheless, there is still room for improvement in the quest for new therapeutic combinations. ICOS costimulation has been underscored as a possible target to include with CTLA-4 blocking treatment. Herein, we describe an ICOS agonistic aptamer that potentiates T cell activation and induces stronger antitumor responses when locally injected at the tumor site in combination with anti-CTLA-4 antibody in different tumor models. Furthermore, ICOS agonistic aptamer was engineered as a bi-specific tumor-targeting aptamer to reach any disseminated tumor lesions after systemic injection. Treatment with the bi-specific aptamer in combination with CTLA-4 blockade showed strong antitumor immunity, even in a melanoma tumor model where CTLA-4 treatment alone did not display any significant therapeutic benefit. Thus, this work provides strong support for the development of combinatorial therapies involving anti-CTLA-4 blockade and ICOS agonist tumor-targeting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Martínez Soldevilla
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Helena Villanueva
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Daniel Meraviglia-Crivelli
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Ashwathi Puravankara Menon
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Javier Cebollero
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - María Villalba
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Beatriz Moreno
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Teresa Lozano
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Diana Llopiz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Álvaro Pejenaute
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Fernando Pastor
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain.
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Current Aspects of siRNA Bioconjugate for In Vitro and In Vivo Delivery. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24122211. [PMID: 31200490 PMCID: PMC6631009 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24122211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on siRNA delivery have seen intense growth in the past decades since siRNA has emerged as a new class of gene therapeutics for the treatment of various diseases. siRNA bioconjugate, as one of the major delivery strategies, offers the potential to enhance and broaden pharmacological properties of siRNA, while minimizing the heterogeneity and stability-correlated toxicology. This review summarizes the recent developments of siRNA bioconjugate, including the conjugation with antibody, peptide, aptamer, small chemical, lipidoid, cell-penetrating peptide polymer, and nanoparticle. These siRNA bioconjugate, either administrated alone or formulated with other agents, could significantly improve pharmacokinetic behavior, enhance the biological half-life, and increase the targetability while maintaining sufficient gene silencing activity, with a concomitant improvement of the therapeutic outcomes and diminishment of adverse effects. This review emphasizes the delivery application of these siRNA bioconjugates, especially the conjugation strategy that control the integrity, stability and release of siRNA bioconjugates. The limitations conferred by these conjugation strategies have also been covered.
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Li Z, Hu Y, An Y, Duan J, Li X, Yang XD. Novel Bispecific Aptamer Enhances Immune Cytotoxicity Against MUC1-Positive Tumor Cells by MUC1-CD16 Dual Targeting. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030478. [PMID: 30699986 PMCID: PMC6385031 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy is the employment of a bispecific agent that can bind with both tumor markers and immunocytes for recruitment of lymphocytes to tumor sites and enhancement of anticancer immune reactions. Mucin1 (MUC1) is a tumor marker overexpressed in almost all adenocarcinomas, making it a potentially important therapeutic target. CD16 is expressed in several types of immunocytes, including NK cells, γδ-T cells, monocytes, and macrophages. In this study, we constructed the first bispecific aptamer (BBiApt) targeting both MUC1 and CD16. This aptamer consisted of two MUC1 aptamers and two CD16 aptamers linked together by three 60 nt DNA spacers. Compared with monovalent MUC1 or CD16 aptamers, BBiApt showed more potent avidity to both MUC1-positive tumor cells and CD16-positive immunocytes. Competition experiments indicated that BBiApt and monovalent aptamers bound to the same sites on the target cells. Moreover, BBiApt recruited more CD16-positive immunocytes around MUC1-positive tumor cells and enhanced the immune cytotoxicity against the tumor cells in vitro. The results suggest that, apart from bispecific antibodies, bispecific aptamers may also potentially serve as a novel strategy for targeted enhancement of antitumor immune reactions against MUC1-expressing malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyi Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
| | - Yan Hu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
| | - Yacong An
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
| | - Jinhong Duan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
| | - Xundou Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
| | - Xian-Da Yang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
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A tumor-targeted trimeric 4-1BB-agonistic antibody induces potent anti-tumor immunity without systemic toxicity. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4809. [PMID: 30442944 PMCID: PMC6237851 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07195-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The costimulation of immune cells using first-generation anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has demonstrated anti-tumor activity in human trials. Further clinical development, however, is restricted by significant off-tumor toxicities associated with FcγR interactions. Here, we have designed an Fc-free tumor-targeted 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody, 1D8N/CEGa1, consisting of three anti-4-1BB single-chain variable fragments and three anti-EGFR single-domain antibodies positioned in an extended hexagonal conformation around the collagen XVIII homotrimerization domain. The1D8N/CEGa1 trimerbody demonstrated high-avidity binding to 4-1BB and EGFR and a potent in vitro costimulatory capacity in the presence of EGFR. The trimerbody rapidly accumulates in EGFR-positive tumors and exhibits anti-tumor activity similar to IgG-based 4-1BB-agonistic mAbs. Importantly, treatment with 1D8N/CEGa1 does not induce systemic inflammatory cytokine production or hepatotoxicity associated with IgG-based 4-1BB agonists. These results implicate FcγR interactions in the 4-1BB-agonist-associated immune abnormalities, and promote the use of the non-canonical antibody presented in this work for safe and effective costimulatory strategies in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer therapy using systemically administrated 4-1BB-targeting antibodies is often associated with severe toxicity due to the nonspecific activation of autoreactive T cells. Here, the authors have developed a trimeric antibody targeting both 4-1BB and EGFR, which activates T cells effectively and shows negligible cytotoxicity.
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40
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Soldevilla MM, Meraviglia-Crivelli de Caso D, Menon AP, Pastor F. Aptamer-iRNAs as Therapeutics for Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:E108. [PMID: 30340426 PMCID: PMC6315413 DOI: 10.3390/ph11040108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssDNA or ssRNA) that bind and recognize their targets with high affinity and specificity due to their complex tertiary structure. Aptamers are selected by a method called SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment). This method has allowed the selection of aptamers to different types of molecules. Since then, many aptamers have been described for the potential treatment of several diseases including cancer. It has been described over the last few years that aptamers represent a very useful tool as therapeutics, especially for cancer therapy. Aptamers, thanks to their intrinsic oligonucleotide nature, present inherent advantages over other molecules, such as cell-based products. Owing to their higher tissue penetrability, safer profile, and targeting capacity, aptamers are likely to become a novel platform for the delivery of many different types of therapeutic cargos. Here we focus the review on interfering RNAs (iRNAs) as aptamer-based targeting delivered agents. We have gathered the most reliable information on aptamers as targeting and carrier agents for the specific delivery of siRNAs, shRNA, microRNAs, and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) published in the last few years in the context of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario M Soldevilla
- Molecular Therapy Program, Aptamer Core, Center for the Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarre Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Daniel Meraviglia-Crivelli de Caso
- Molecular Therapy Program, Aptamer Core, Center for the Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarre Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Ashwathi P Menon
- Molecular Therapy Program, Aptamer Core, Center for the Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarre Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Fernando Pastor
- Molecular Therapy Program, Aptamer Core, Center for the Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarre Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
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Pastor F, Berraondo P, Etxeberria I, Frederick J, Sahin U, Gilboa E, Melero I. An RNA toolbox for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:751-767. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2018.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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42
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Catuogno S, Esposito CL, Condorelli G, de Franciscis V. Nucleic acids delivering nucleic acids. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 134:79-93. [PMID: 29630917 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics, including siRNAs, miRNAs/antimiRs, gRNAs and ASO, represent innovative and highly promising molecules for the safe treatment of a wide range of pathologies. The efficiency of systemic treatments is impeded by 1) the need to overcome physical and functional barriers in the organism, and 2) to accumulate in the intracellular active site at therapeutic concentrations. Although oligonucleotides either as modified naked molecules or complexed with delivery carriers have revealed to be effectively delivered to the affected target cells, this is restricted to topic treatments or to a few highly vascularized tissues. Therefore, the development of effective strategies for therapeutic nucleic acid selective delivery to target tissues is of primary importance in order to reduce the occurrence of undesired effects on non-target healthy tissues and to permit their translation to clinic. Due to their high affinity for specific ligands, high tissue penetration and chemical flexibility, short single-stranded nucleic acid aptamers are emerging as very attractive carriers for various therapeutic oligonucleotides. Yet, different aptamer-based bioconjugates, able to provide accumulation into target tissues, as well as efficient processing of therapeutic oligonucleotides, have been developed. In this respect, nucleic acid aptamer-mediated delivery strategies represent a powerful approach able to increase the therapeutic efficacy also highly reducing the overall toxicity. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in the field and discuss achieved objectives and optimization of aptamers as delivery carriers of short oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Catuogno
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Lucia Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Gerolama Condorelli
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy.
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Hapten-mediated recruitment of polyclonal antibodies to tumors engenders antitumor immunity. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3348. [PMID: 30135425 PMCID: PMC6105580 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05566-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Uptake of tumor antigens by tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells is limiting step in the induction of tumor immunity, which can be mediated through Fc receptor (FcR) triggering by antibody-coated tumor cells. Here we describe an approach to potentiate tumor immunity whereby hapten-specific polyclonal antibodies are recruited to tumors by coating tumor cells with the hapten. Vaccination of mice against dinitrophenol (DNP) followed by systemic administration of DNP targeted to tumors by conjugation to a VEGF or osteopontin aptamer elicits potent FcR dependent, T cell mediated, antitumor immunity. Recruitment of αGal-specific antibodies, the most abundant naturally occurring antibodies in human serum, inhibits tumor growth in mice treated with a VEGF aptamer-αGal hapten conjugate, and recruits antibodies from human serum to human tumor biopsies of distinct origin. Thus, treatment with αGal hapten conjugated to broad-spectrum tumor targeting ligands could enhance the susceptibility of a broad range of tumors to immune elimination.
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Vandghanooni S, Eskandani M, Barar J, Omidi Y. Bispecific therapeutic aptamers for targeted therapy of cancer: a review on cellular perspective. J Mol Med (Berl) 2018; 96:885-902. [PMID: 30056527 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-018-1669-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers (Aps), as short single-strand nucleic acids, can bind to their corresponding molecular targets with the high affinity and specificity. In comparison with the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and peptides, unique physicochemical and biological characteristics of Aps make them excellent targeting agents for different types of cancer molecular markers (CMMs). Much attention has been paid to the Ap-based multifunctional chimeric and therapeutic systems, which provide promising outcomes in the targeted therapy of various formidable diseases, including malignancies. In the Ap-based chimeric systems, a targeting Ap is conjugated to another therapeutic molecule (e.g., siRNA/miRNA, Ap, toxins, chemotherapeutic agents, DNAzyme/ribozymes) with a capability of binding to a specific cell surface receptor at the desired target site. Having been engineered as multifunctional nanosystems (NSs), Ap-based hybrid scaffolds can be used to concurrently target multiple markers/pathways in cancerous cells, causing drastic inhibitory effects on the growth and the progression of tumor cells. Multi/bispecific Aps composed of two/more Aps provide a versatile tool for the optimal and active targeting of cell surface receptor(s) with markedly high affinity and avidity. Targeting the optimum activity of key receptors and dominant signaling pathways in the activation of immunity, the multi/bispecific Ap-based therapeutics can also be used to enhance the antitumor activity of the immune system. Further, the bispecific systems can be designed to induce cytotoxicity in a heterogeneous population of cancer cells with different CMMs. In this review, we provide some important insights into the construction and applications of the Ap-based chimeric NSs and discuss the multifunctional Ap chimera and their effects on the signaling pathways in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Vandghanooni
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Morteza Eskandani
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jaleh Barar
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Modular cell-internalizing aptamer nanostructure enables targeted delivery of large functional RNAs in cancer cell lines. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2283. [PMID: 29891903 PMCID: PMC5995956 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04691-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Large RNAs and ribonucleoprotein complexes have powerful therapeutic potential, but effective cell-targeted delivery tools are limited. Aptamers that internalize into target cells can deliver siRNAs (<15 kDa, 19–21 nt/strand). We demonstrate a modular nanostructure for cellular delivery of large, functional RNA payloads (50–80 kDa, 175–250 nt) by aptamers that recognize multiple human B cell cancer lines and transferrin receptor-expressing cells. Fluorogenic RNA reporter payloads enable accelerated testing of platform designs and rapid evaluation of assembly and internalization. Modularity is demonstrated by swapping in different targeting and payload aptamers. Both modules internalize into leukemic B cell lines and remained colocalized within endosomes. Fluorescence from internalized RNA persists for ≥2 h, suggesting a sizable window for aptamer payloads to exert influence upon targeted cells. This demonstration of aptamer-mediated, cell-internalizing delivery of large RNAs with retention of functional structure raises the possibility of manipulating endosomes and cells by delivering large aptamers and regulatory RNAs. Large RNAs and ribonucleoprotein complexes have shown potential as novel therapeutic agents, but their targeted delivery to cells is still challenging. Here the authors present a modular aptamer nanostructure for intracellular delivery of RNAs up to 250 nucleotides to cancer cells.
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Kim M, Kim DM, Kim KS, Jung W, Kim DE. Applications of Cancer Cell-Specific Aptamers in Targeted Delivery of Anticancer Therapeutic Agents. Molecules 2018; 23:E830. [PMID: 29617327 PMCID: PMC6017884 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that specifically bind and interact with their corresponding targets, including proteins and cells, through unique three-dimensional structures. Numerous aptamers have been developed to target cancer biomarkers with high specificity and affinity, and some are employed as versatile guiding ligands for cancer-specific drug delivery and anti-cancer therapeutics. In this review, we list the aptamers that target tumor surface biomarkers and summarize the representative applications of aptamers as agonists and antagonists that activate anti-cancer and inactivate pro-cancer biomarkers, respectively. In addition, we describe applications of aptamer-drug or aptamer-oligonucleotide conjugates that can deliver therapeutic agents, including small interfering RNAs, micro RNAs, short hairpin RNAs, and chemotherapeutic molecules, to cancer cells. Moreover, we provide examples of aptamer- conjugated nano-vehicles, in which cancer-targeting oligonucleotide aptamers are conjugated with nano-vehicles such as liposomes, micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, and quantum dots. Conjugation of aptamers with anti-cancer drugs and nano-vehicles will facilitate innovative applications of aptamer-based cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhee Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.
| | - Keun-Sik Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea.
| | - Woong Jung
- Department of Emergency Medicine Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 05278, Korea.
| | - Dong-Eun Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.
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47
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Morita Y, Leslie M, Kameyama H, Volk DE, Tanaka T. Aptamer Therapeutics in Cancer: Current and Future. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10030080. [PMID: 29562664 PMCID: PMC5876655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10030080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamer-related technologies represent a revolutionary advancement in the capacity to rapidly develop new classes of targeting ligands. Structurally distinct RNA and DNA oligonucleotides, aptamers mimic small, protein-binding molecules and exhibit high binding affinity and selectivity. Although their molecular weight is relatively small—approximately one-tenth that of monoclonal antibodies—their complex tertiary folded structures create sufficient recognition surface area for tight interaction with target molecules. Additionally, unlike antibodies, aptamers can be readily chemically synthesized and modified. In addition, aptamers’ long storage period and low immunogenicity are favorable properties for clinical utility. Due to their flexibility of chemical modification, aptamers are conjugated to other chemical entities including chemotherapeutic agents, siRNA, nanoparticles, and solid phase surfaces for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, as relatively small sized oligonucleotides, aptamers present several challenges for successful clinical translation. Their short plasma half-lives due to nuclease degradation and rapid renal excretion necessitate further structural modification of aptamers for clinical application. Since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first aptamer drug, Macugen® (pegaptanib), which treats wet-age-related macular degeneration, several aptamer therapeutics for oncology have followed and shown promise in pre-clinical models as well as clinical trials. This review discusses the advantages and challenges of aptamers and introduces therapeutic aptamers under investigation and in clinical trials for cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Morita
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Macall Leslie
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Hiroyasu Kameyama
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - David E Volk
- McGovern Medical School, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Hermann Pressler, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Takemi Tanaka
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 SL Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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48
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Puplampu-Dove Y, Gefen T, Rajagopalan A, Muheramagic D, Schrand B, Gilboa E. Potentiating tumor immunity using aptamer-targeted RNAi to render CD8 + T cells resistant to TGFβ inhibition. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1349588. [PMID: 29632714 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1349588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
TGFβ secreted by tumor cells and/or tumor infiltrating stromal cells is a key mediator of tumor growth and immune suppression at the tumor site. Nonetheless, clinical trials in cancer patients targeting the TGFβ pathway exhibited at best a modest therapeutic benefit. A likely reason, a common limitation of many cancer drugs, is that the physiologic roles of TGFβ in tissue homeostasis, angiogenesis, and immune regulation precluded the dose escalation necessary to achieve a profound clinical response. Murine studies have suggested that countering immune suppressive effects of TGFβ may be sufficient to inhibit tumor growth. Here we describe an approach to render vaccine-activated CD8+ T cells transiently resistant to TGFβ inhibition using an siRNA against Smad4 to inhibit a key step in the canonical TGFβ signaling pathway. The siRNA was targeted to vaccine activated CD8+ T cells in the mouse by conjugation to a 4-1BB binding oligonucleotide (ODN) aptamer ligand (4-1BB-Smad4 conjugate). In vitro the 4-1BB-Smad4 conjugate rendered T cells partially resistant to TGFβ inhibition, and treatment of tumor bearing mice with systemically administered 4-1BB-Smad4 conjugate enhanced vaccine- and irradiation-induced antitumor immunity. Limiting the inhibitory effects of TGFβ to tumor-specific T cells will not interfere with its multiple physiologic roles and hence reduce the risk of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Puplampu-Dove
- Dodson Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Tal Gefen
- Dodson Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Anugraha Rajagopalan
- Dodson Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Darija Muheramagic
- Dodson Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Brett Schrand
- Dodson Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Eli Gilboa
- Dodson Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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49
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Soldevilla MM, Villanueva H, Casares N, Lasarte JJ, Bendandi M, Inoges S, López-Díaz de Cerio A, Pastor F. MRP1-CD28 bi-specific oligonucleotide aptamers: target costimulation to drug-resistant melanoma cancer stem cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:23182-96. [PMID: 26992239 PMCID: PMC5029619 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work we show a clinically feasible strategy to convert in situ the own tumor into an endogenous vaccine by coating the melanoma cancerous cells with CD28 costimulatory ligands. This therapeutic approach is aimed at targeting T-cell costimulation to chemotherapy-resistant tumors which are refractory and been considered as untreatable cancers. These tumors are usually defined by an enrichment of cancer stem cells and characterized by the higher expression of chemotherapy-resistant proteins. In this work we develop the first aptamer that targets chemotherapy-resistant tumors expressing MRP1 through a novel combinatorial peptide-cell SELEX. With the use of the MRP1 aptamer we engineer a MRP1-CD28 bivalent aptamer that is able to bind MRP1-expressing tumors and deliver the CD28 costimulatory signal to tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The bi-specific aptamer is able to enhance costimulation in chemotherapy-resistant tumors. Melanoma-bearing mice systemically treated with MRP1-CD28 bivalent aptamer show reduced growth, thus proving an improved mice survival. Besides, we have designed a technically feasible and translational whole-cell vaccine (Aptvax). Disaggregated cells from tumors can be directly decorated with costimulatory ligand aptamers to generate the vaccine Aptvax. CD28Aptvax made of irradiated tumor cells coated with the CD28-agonistic aptamer attached to MRP1 elicits a strong tumor- cell immune response against melanoma tumors reducing tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Martínez Soldevilla
- Program of Molecular Therapies, Aptamer Unit, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Irunlarrea, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Helena Villanueva
- Program of Molecular Therapies, Aptamer Unit, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Irunlarrea, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Noelia Casares
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Irunlarrea, Pamplona, Spain.,Program Immunology and Immunotherapy, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Jose Lasarte
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Irunlarrea, Pamplona, Spain.,Program Immunology and Immunotherapy, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maurizio Bendandi
- Ross University School of Medicine, Roseau, Portsmouth, Commonwealth of Dominica
| | - Susana Inoges
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Irunlarrea, Pamplona, Spain.,Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ascensión López-Díaz de Cerio
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Irunlarrea, Pamplona, Spain.,Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Pastor
- Program of Molecular Therapies, Aptamer Unit, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Irunlarrea, Pamplona, Spain
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50
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Avci-Adali M. Selection and Application of Aptamers and Intramers. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 917:241-58. [PMID: 27236559 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-32805-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are auspicious nucleic acid ligands for targeting different molecules, such as small molecules, peptides, proteins, or even whole living cells. They are short single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides, which can fold into complex three-dimensional structures and bind selectively their targets. Using the combinatorial chemistry process SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment), target specific aptamers can be selected. These aptamers have a variety of application possibilities and can be used as sensors, diagnostic, imaging or therapeutic agents, and in the field of regenerative medicine for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meltem Avci-Adali
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Calwerstr. 7/1, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
- RiNA GmbH, Berlin, Germany.
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