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Abstract
The epidermal growth factor (EGF) system has allowed chemists, biologists, and clinicians to improve our understanding of cell production and cancer therapy. The discovery of EGF led to the recognition of cell surface receptors capable of controlling the proliferation and survival of cells. The detailed structures of the EGF-like ligand and the responses of their receptors (EGFR-family) has revealed the conformational and aggregation changes whereby ligands activate the intracellular kinase domains. Biophysical analysis has revealed the preformed clustering of different EGFR-family members and the processes which occur on ligand binding. Understanding these receptor activation processes and the consequential cytoplasmic signaling has allowed the development of inhibitors which are revolutionizing cancer therapy. This Review describes the recent progress in our understanding of the activation of the EGFR-family, the effects of signaling from the EGFR-family on cell proliferation, and the targeting of the EGFR-family in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony W Burgess
- Honorary Laboratory Head, Personalized Oncology Division, WEHI, Parkville3050, Australia.,Professor Emeritus, Departments of Medical Biology and Surgery (Royal Melbourne Hospital), University of Melbourne, Melbourne3052, Australia.,The Brain Cancer Centre at WEHI, Parkville3052, Australia
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2
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Vetter VC, Wagner E. Targeting nucleic acid-based therapeutics to tumors: Challenges and strategies for polyplexes. J Control Release 2022; 346:110-135. [PMID: 35436520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The current medical reality of cancer gene therapy is reflected by more than ten approved products on the global market, including oncolytic and other viral vectors and CAR T-cells as ex vivo gene-modified cell therapeutics. The development of synthetic antitumoral nucleic acid therapeutics has been proceeding at a lower but steady pace, fueled by a plethora of alternative nucleic acid platforms (from various antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA, microRNA, lncRNA, sgRNA, to larger mRNA and DNA) and several classes of physical and chemical delivery technologies. This review summarizes the challenges and strategies for tumor-targeted nucleic acid delivery. Focusing primarily on polyplexes (polycation complexes) as nanocarriers, delivery options across multiple barriers into tumor cells are illustrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C Vetter
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany; Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany.
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3
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Galluzzi L, Vacchelli E, Eggermont A, Fridman WH, Galon J, Sautès-Fridman C, Tartour E, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G. Trial Watch: Experimental Toll-like receptor agonists for cancer therapy. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:699-716. [PMID: 22934262 PMCID: PMC3429574 DOI: 10.4161/onci.20696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are prototypic pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) best known for their ability to activate the innate immune system in response to conserved microbial components such as lipopolysaccharide and double-stranded RNA. Accumulating evidence indicates that the function of TLRs is not restricted to the elicitation of innate immune responses against invading pathogens. TLRs have indeed been shown to participate in tissue repair and injury-induced regeneration as well as in adaptive immune responses against cancer. In particular, TLR4 signaling appears to be required for the efficient processing and cross-presentation of cell-associated tumor antigens by dendritic cells, which de facto underlie optimal therapeutic responses to some anticancer drugs. Thus, TLRs constitute prominent therapeutic targets for the activation/intensification of anticancer immune responses. In line with this notion, long-used preparations such as the Coley toxin (a mixture of killed Streptococcus pyogenes and Serratia marcescens bacteria) and the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG, an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis originally developed as a vaccine against tuberculosis), both of which have been associated with consistent anticancer responses, potently activate TLR2 and TLR4 signaling. Today, besides BCG, only one TLR agonist is FDA-approved for therapeutic use in cancer patients: imiquimod. In this Trial Watch, we will briefly present the role of TLRs in innate and cognate immunity and discuss the progress of clinical studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of experimental TLR agonists as immunostimulatory agents for oncological indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V; Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris, France ; Institut Gustave Roussy; Villejuif, France
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4
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Freitag F, Wagner E. Optimizing synthetic nucleic acid and protein nanocarriers: The chemical evolution approach. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 168:30-54. [PMID: 32246984 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Optimizing synthetic nanocarriers is like searching for a needle in a haystack. How to find the most suitable carrier for intracellular delivery of a specified macromolecular nanoagent for a given disease target location? Here, we review different synthetic 'chemical evolution' strategies that have been pursued. Libraries of nanocarriers have been generated either by unbiased combinatorial chemistry or by variation and novel combination of known functional delivery elements. As in natural evolution, definition of nanocarriers as sequences, as barcode or design principle, may fuel chemical evolution. Screening in appropriate test system may not only provide delivery candidates, but also a refined understanding of cellular delivery including novel, unpredictable mechanisms. Combined with rational design and computational algorithms, candidates can be further optimized in subsequent evolution cycles into nanocarriers with improved safety and efficacy. Optimization of nanocarriers differs for various cargos, as illustrated for plasmid DNA, siRNA, mRNA, proteins, or genome-editing nucleases.
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5
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Hager S, Fittler FJ, Wagner E, Bros M. Nucleic Acid-Based Approaches for Tumor Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E2061. [PMID: 32917034 PMCID: PMC7564019 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the last decade, the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors proposed to boost the patients' anti-tumor immune response has proven the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches for tumor therapy. Furthermore, especially in the context of the development of biocompatible, cell type targeting nano-carriers, nucleic acid-based drugs aimed to initiate and to enhance anti-tumor responses have come of age. This review intends to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the therapeutic use of nucleic acids for cancer treatment on various levels, comprising (i) mRNA and DNA-based vaccines to be expressed by antigen presenting cells evoking sustained anti-tumor T cell responses, (ii) molecular adjuvants, (iii) strategies to inhibit/reprogram tumor-induced regulatory immune cells e.g., by RNA interference (RNAi), (iv) genetically tailored T cells and natural killer cells to directly recognize tumor antigens, and (v) killing of tumor cells, and reprograming of constituents of the tumor microenvironment by gene transfer and RNAi. Aside from further improvements of individual nucleic acid-based drugs, the major perspective for successful cancer therapy will be combination treatments employing conventional regimens as well as immunotherapeutics like checkpoint inhibitors and nucleic acid-based drugs, each acting on several levels to adequately counter-act tumor immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hager
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | | | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
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6
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My journey from tyrosine phosphorylation inhibitors to targeted immune therapy as strategies to combat cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:11579-11586. [PMID: 31076554 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1816012116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 1980s there has been a drive toward personalized targeted therapy for cancer. "Targeted cancer therapy" originally focused on inhibiting essential tumor survival factors, primarily protein tyrosine kinases. The complexity and rapid mutability of tumors, however, enable them to develop resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), even when these are multitargeted or applied in combination. This has led to the development of targeted cancer immunotherapy, to enhance immune surveillance against the tumor. In this paper, we provide a personal view of the development of targeted therapy, from TKIs to targeted immunotherapy.
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7
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Zou Y, Xia Y, Meng F, Zhang J, Zhong Z. GE11-Directed Functional Polymersomal Doxorubicin as an Advanced Alternative to Clinical Liposomal Formulation for Ovarian Cancer Treatment. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:3664-3671. [PMID: 29570299 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer as a recurrent disease is often refractory to treatment including pegylated liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride (Lipo-Dox). Here, GE11 peptide-modified reversibly cross-linked polymersomal doxorubicin (GE11-PS-Dox) was investigated as an advanced treatment for SKOV3 human ovarian tumors, which overexpress epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The in vitro experiments using SKOV3 cancer cells demonstrated that GE11-PS-Dox induced obviously higher cellular uptake, Dox delivery to the nuclei, and antitumor activity than the nontargeted PS-Dox and Lipo-Dox controls. In vivo biodistribution experiments displayed 2.5-fold higher tumor accumulation for GE11-PS-Dox as compared to Lipo-Dox. Notably, GE11-PS-Dox could effectively suppress the progression of SKOV3 tumors and cause little adverse effects at 12 mg of Dox equiv/kg, leading to a remarkably increased survival rate of 100% over 78 days. In contrast, continued tumor growth and body weight loss were discerned for Lipo-Dox treated mice at 6 mg of Dox equiv/kg. Moreover, a single dose of GE11-PS-Dox at 60 mg of Dox equiv/kg showed also effective treatment and low toxicity toward SKOV3-tumor bearing mice. GE11-directed reversibly cross-linked polymersomal doxorubicin has emerged as an advanced alternative to Lipo-Dox for treatment of EGFR-overexpressing ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zou
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science , Soochow University , Suzhou 215123 , P. R. China.,International Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences , Henan University , Jin Ming Avenue , Kaifeng , Henan 475004 , China
| | - Yifeng Xia
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science , Soochow University , Suzhou 215123 , P. R. China
| | - Fenghua Meng
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science , Soochow University , Suzhou 215123 , P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science , Soochow University , Suzhou 215123 , P. R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhong
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science , Soochow University , Suzhou 215123 , P. R. China
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8
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Langut Y, Edinger N, Flashner-Abramson E, Melamed-Book N, Lebendiker M, Levi-Kalisman Y, Klein S, Levitzki A. PSMA-homing dsRNA chimeric protein vector kills prostate cancer cells and activates anti-tumor bystander responses. Oncotarget 2018; 8:24046-24062. [PMID: 28445962 PMCID: PMC5421826 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of metastatic androgen-resistant prostate cancer remains a challenge. We describe a protein vector that selectively delivers synthetic dsRNA, polyinosinic/polycytidylic acid (polyIC), to prostate tumors by targeting prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is overexpressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells. The chimeric protein is built from the double stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding domain of PKR tethered to a single chain anti-PSMA antibody. When complexed with polyIC, the chimera demonstrates selective and efficient killing of prostate cancer cells. The treatment causes the targeted cancer cells to undergo apoptosis and to secrete toxic cytokines. In a bystander effect, these cytokines kill neighboring cancer cells that do not necessarily overexpress PSMA, and activate immune cells that enhance the killing effect. The strong effects of the targeted polyIC are demonstrated on both 2D cell cultures and 3D tumor spheroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Langut
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Unit of Cellular Signaling, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nufar Edinger
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Unit of Cellular Signaling, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Efrat Flashner-Abramson
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Unit of Cellular Signaling, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Naomi Melamed-Book
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Unit of Bio-Imaging, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mario Lebendiker
- The Protein Purification Facility, Wolfson Center for Applied Structural Biology, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Levi-Kalisman
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Silberman Institute for Life Sciences, Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shoshana Klein
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Unit of Cellular Signaling, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alexander Levitzki
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Unit of Cellular Signaling, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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9
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PSMA-targeted polyinosine/polycytosine vector induces prostate tumor regression and invokes an antitumor immune response in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:13655-13660. [PMID: 29229829 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1714587115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for an effective treatment for metastatic prostate cancer (PC). Prostate tumors invariably overexpress prostate surface membrane antigen (PSMA). We designed a nonviral vector, PEI-PEG-DUPA (PPD), comprising polyethylenimine-polyethyleneglycol (PEI-PEG) tethered to the PSMA ligand, 2-[3-(1, 3-dicarboxy propyl)ureido] pentanedioic acid (DUPA), to treat PC. The purpose of PEI is to bind polyinosinic/polycytosinic acid (polyIC) and allow endosomal release, while DUPA targets PC cells. PolyIC activates multiple pathways that lead to tumor cell death and to the activation of bystander effects that harness the immune system against the tumor, attacking nontargeted neighboring tumor cells and reducing the probability of acquired resistance and disease recurrence. Targeting polyIC directly to tumor cells avoids the toxicity associated with systemic delivery. PPD selectively delivered polyIC into PSMA-overexpressing PC cells, inducing apoptosis, cytokine secretion, and the recruitment of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PSMA-overexpressing tumors in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice with partially reconstituted immune systems were significantly shrunken following PPD/polyIC treatment, in all cases. Half of the tumors showed complete regression. PPD/polyIC invokes antitumor immunity, but unlike many immunotherapies does not need to be personalized for each patient. The potent antitumor effects of PPD/polyIC should spur its development for clinical use.
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10
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Burgess AW. Bispecific protein targets prostate cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:35484-35485. [PMID: 28455964 PMCID: PMC5482589 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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11
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Delivering safer immunotherapies for cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 114:79-101. [PMID: 28545888 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is now a powerful clinical reality, with a steady progression of new drug approvals and a massive pipeline of additional treatments in clinical and preclinical development. However, modulation of the immune system can be a double-edged sword: Drugs that activate immune effectors are prone to serious non-specific systemic inflammation and autoimmune side effects. Drug delivery technologies have an important role to play in harnessing the power of immune therapeutics while avoiding on-target/off-tumor toxicities. Here we review mechanisms of toxicity for clinically-relevant immunotherapeutics, and discuss approaches based in drug delivery technology to enhance the safety and potency of these treatments. These include strategies to merge drug delivery with adoptive cellular therapies, targeting immunotherapies to tumors or select immune cells, and localizing therapeutics intratumorally. Rational design employing lessons learned from the drug delivery and nanomedicine fields has the potential to facilitate immunotherapy reaching its full potential.
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12
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Edinger N, Lebendiker M, Klein S, Zigler M, Langut Y, Levitzki A. Targeting polyIC to EGFR over-expressing cells using a dsRNA binding protein domain tethered to EGF. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162321. [PMID: 27598772 PMCID: PMC5012564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective delivery of drugs to tumor cells can increase potency and reduce toxicity. In this study, we describe a novel recombinant chimeric protein, dsRBEC, which can bind polyIC and deliver it selectively into EGFR over-expressing tumor cells. dsRBEC, comprises the dsRNA binding domain (dsRBD) of human PKR (hPKR), which serves as the polyIC binding moiety, fused to human EGF (hEGF), the targeting moiety. dsRBEC shows high affinity towards EGFR and triggers ligand-induced endocytosis of the receptor, thus leading to the selective internalization of polyIC into EGFR over-expressing tumor cells. The targeted delivery of polyIC by dsRBEC induced cellular apoptosis and the secretion of IFN-β and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. dsRBEC-delivered polyIC is much more potent than naked polyIC and is expected to reduce the toxicity caused by systemic delivery of polyIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nufar Edinger
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mario Lebendiker
- Protein Purification Unit, Wolfson Center for Applied Structural Biology, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shoshana Klein
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maya Zigler
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Langut
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alexander Levitzki
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail:
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13
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Zigler M, Shir A, Joubran S, Sagalov A, Klein S, Edinger N, Lau J, Yu SF, Mizraji G, Globerson Levin A, Sliwkowski MX, Levitzki A. HER2-Targeted Polyinosine/Polycytosine Therapy Inhibits Tumor Growth and Modulates the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Cancer Immunol Res 2016; 4:688-97. [PMID: 27241844 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-15-0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of targeted therapies that affect multiple signaling pathways and stimulate antitumor immunity is greatly needed. About 20% of patients with breast cancer overexpress HER2. Small molecules and antibodies targeting HER2 convey some survival benefits; however, patients with advanced disease succumb to the disease under these treatment regimens, possibly because HER2 is not completely necessary for the survival of the targeted cancer cells. In the present study, we show that a polyinosine/polycytosine (pIC) HER2-homing chemical vector induced the demise of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells, including trastuzumab-resistant cells. Targeting pIC to the tumor evoked a number of cell-killing mechanisms, as well as strong bystander effects. These bystander mechanisms included type I IFN induction, immune cell recruitment, and activation. The HER2-targeted pIC strongly inhibited the growth of HER2-overexpressing tumors in immunocompetent mice. The data presented here could open additional avenues in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(8); 688-97. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Zigler
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alexei Shir
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Salim Joubran
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anna Sagalov
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shoshana Klein
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nufar Edinger
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jeffrey Lau
- Translational Oncology Department, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Shang-Fan Yu
- Translational Oncology Department, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Gabriel Mizraji
- Institute of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Mark X Sliwkowski
- Molecular Oncology Department, Genentech, Inc. South San Francisco, California
| | - Alexander Levitzki
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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14
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Lächelt U, Wagner E. Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Using Polyplexes: A Journey of 50 Years (and Beyond). Chem Rev 2015; 115:11043-78. [DOI: 10.1021/cr5006793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 418] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Lächelt
- Pharmaceutical
Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig Maximilians Universität, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems
Initiative
Munich (NIM), 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical
Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig Maximilians Universität, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems
Initiative
Munich (NIM), 80799 Munich, Germany
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15
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Lächelt U, Wittmann V, Müller K, Edinger D, Kos P, Höhn M, Wagner E. Synthetic polyglutamylation of dual-functional MTX ligands for enhanced combined cytotoxicity of poly(I:C) nanoplexes. Mol Pharm 2014; 11:2631-9. [PMID: 24754871 DOI: 10.1021/mp500017u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The antifolate drug methotrexate (MTX) can serve as a dual-functional ligand in antitumoral drug delivery, inducing both a folate receptor mediated cellular uptake and an intracellular cytotoxic action. Bioactivity of MTX however changes by conjugation; the activity can be affected by the hampered intracellular conversion to more potent poly-γ-glutamyl derivatives. Therefore, in a cancer combination therapy approach for the codelivery of cytotoxic dsRNA polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid poly(I:C), a set of molecularly precise oligo(ethanamino)amides were synthesized comprising poly(ethylene glycol) conjugated MTX ligands. The conjugates differed in the number of additional glutamic acid residues to investigate the effect of different degrees of synthetic "a priori" polyglutamylation. The bioactivity of these compounds concerning dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibition, cytotoxicity, nucleic acid binding potency, cellular uptake of poly(I:C) polyplexes, and combined antifolate/poly(I:C) toxicity was investigated. Synthetic polyglutamylation had a crucial impact on several stages of efficient poly(I:C) delivery and combined MTX cytotoxicity. DHFR inhibition of the conjugates significantly increased with increasing polyglutamate chain length. The library member with highest glutamylation degree even outperformed free MTX in direct comparison. Studies in KB cells showed the corresponding enhanced cytotoxicity by polyglutamylation. Also poly(I:C) polyplexes of the glutamylated MTX variants exhibited higher cellular uptake in the folate receptor positive cell line. Finally, a synergistic combined cytotoxicity of polyglutamylated MTX ligands and complexed poly(I:C) cargo was observed in transfected KB cells. The present structure-activity relationship study of MTX-based ligands pinpoints the concept of synthetic polyglutamylation as a promising approach for optimizing bioactivity of antifolate conjugates, which might be considered as a useful tool also in context of other drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Lächelt
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich , Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
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16
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Zigler M, Shir A, Levitzki A. Targeted cancer immunotherapy. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2013; 13:504-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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17
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Höbel S, Aigner A. Polyethylenimines for siRNA and miRNA delivery in vivo. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2013; 5:484-501. [PMID: 23720168 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) as a naturally occurring mechanism for gene knockdown has attracted considerable attention toward the use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for therapeutic purposes. Likewise, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important cellular regulators of gene expression, and their pathological underexpression allows for novel therapeutic strategies ('miRNA replacement therapy'). To address issues related to the instability, charge, and molecular weight of small RNA molecules, nanoparticle formulations have been explored for their in vivo application. Polyethylenimines (PEIs) are positively charged, linear, or branched polymers that are able to form nanoscale complexes with small RNAs, leading to RNA protection, cellular delivery, and intracellular release. This review highlights the important properties of various PEIs with regard to their use for in vivo RNA delivery. PEI modifications for increased efficacy, altered pharmacokinetic properties, improved biocompatibility and, upon covalent coupling of ligands, targeted delivery are described. An overview of various modified PEIs and a comprehensive list of representative studies using PEI-based siRNA or miRNA delivery in vivo are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Höbel
- Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Chen L, Ding Y, Wang Y, Liu X, Babu R, Ravis W, Yan W. Codelivery of zoledronic acid and doublestranded RNA from core-shell nanoparticles. Int J Nanomedicine 2013; 8:137-45. [PMID: 23319865 PMCID: PMC3540971 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s38928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Zoledronic acid, an inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, has been shown to have both direct and indirect antitumor activity. However, its use in extraskeletal malignancy is limited due to rapid uptake and accumulation within bone. Polyinosinic acid-polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] is a synthetic double-stranded RNA with direct antitumor cytotoxicity if it can be delivered to tumor cells intracellularly. Methods Cationic lipid-coated calcium phosphate nanoparticles (LCP) were developed to enable intracellular codelivery of zoledronic acid and poly (I:C). LCP codelivering zoledronic acid and poly (I:C) were prepared using an ethanol injection method. Briefly, the ethanol solution of lipids was rapidly injected into newly formed calcium phosphate crystals containing poly (I:C) and zoledronic acid, and the mixture was then sonicated briefly to form LCP. The LCP were fully characterized for mean diameter size and zeta potential, efficiency in loading zoledronic acid, cytotoxic effect in a B16BL6 melanoma cell line in vitro, and antitumor effect in B16BL6 melanoma-bearing mice. Results LCP with a mean diameter around 200 nm and a narrow size distribution (polydispersity index 0.17) and high zoledronic acid encapsulation efficiency (94%) were achieved. LCP loaded with zoledronic acid and poly (I:C) had significantly greater antitumor activity than the free drugs in the B16BL6 melanoma cell line (P < 0.05). Furthermore, codelivery of zoledronic acid and poly (I:C) by LCP had higher cytotoxicity than delivering poly (I:C) alone by LCP (P < 0.05), indicating a synergism between zoledronic acid and poly (I:C). Finally, the antitumor study in melanoma-bearing mice also demonstrated synergism between zoledronic acid and poly (I:C) codelivered by LCP. Conclusion Cationic lipid-coated calcium phosphate nanoparticles constructed for codelivery of zoledronic acid and double-stranded RNA poly (I:C) had better antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. Future preclinical development of LCP encapsulating zoledronic acid and poly (I:C) for the treatment of human cancer is under way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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Patnaik S, Gupta KC. Novel polyethylenimine-derived nanoparticles for in vivo gene delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2012; 10:215-28. [PMID: 23252504 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2013.744964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Branched and linear polyethylenimines (PEIs) are cationic polymers that have been used to deliver nucleic acids both in vitro and in vivo. Owing to the high cationic charge, the branched polymers exhibit high transfection efficiency, and particularly PEI of molecular weight 25 kDa is considered as a gold standard in gene delivery. These polymers have been extensively studied and modified with different ligands so as to achieve the targeted delivery. AREAS COVERED The application of PEI in vivo promises to take the polymer-based vector to the next level wherein it can undergo clinical trials and subsequently could be used for delivery of therapeutics in humans. This review focuses on the various recent developments that have been made in the field of PEI-based delivery vectors for delivery of therapeutics in vivo. EXPERT OPINION The efficacy of PEI-based delivery vectors in vivo is significantly high and animal studies demonstrate that such systems have a potential in humans. However, we feel that though PEI is a promising vector, further studies involving PEI in animal models are needed so as to get a detailed toxicity profile of these vectors. Also, it is imperative that the vector reaches the specific organ causing little or no undesirable effects to other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Patnaik
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, M.G. Marg, Lucknow, 226 001, India
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Therapeutic applications of nucleic acids and their analogues in Toll-like receptor signaling. Molecules 2012; 17:13503-29. [PMID: 23151919 PMCID: PMC6269001 DOI: 10.3390/molecules171113503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) belong to a family of innate immune receptors that detect and clear invading microbial pathogens. Specifically intracellular TLRs such as TLR3, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9 recognize nucleic acids such as double-stranded RNA, single-stranded RNA and CpG DNA respectively derived from microbial components. Upon infection, nucleic acid sensing TLRs signal within endosomal compartment triggering the induction of essential proinflammatory cytokines and type I interferons to initiate innate immune responses thereby leading to a critical role in the development of adaptive immune responses. Thus, stimulation of TLRs by nucleic acids is a promising area of research for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against pathogenic infection, allergies, malignant neoplasms and autoimmunity. This review summarizes the therapeutic applications of nucleic acids or nucleic acid analogues through the modulation of TLR signaling pathways.
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Abourbeh G, Shir A, Mishani E, Ogris M, Rödl W, Wagner E, Levitzki A. PolyIC GE11 polyplex inhibits EGFR-overexpressing tumors. IUBMB Life 2012; 64:324-30. [PMID: 22362419 PMCID: PMC3711802 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Phage display has identified the dodecapeptide YHWYGYTPQNVI (GE11) as a ligand that binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) but does not activate the receptor. Here, we compare the EGFR binding affinities of GE11, EGF, and their polyethyleneimine-polyethyleneglycol (PEI-PEG) conjugates. We found that although GE11 by itself does not exhibit measurable affinity to the EGFR, tethering it to PEI-PEG increases its affinity markedly, and complex formation with polyinosine/cytosine (polyIC) further enhances the affinity to the submicromolar range. PolyIC/PPGE11 has a similar strong antitumor effect against EGFR overexpressing tumors in vitro and in vivo, as polyIC/polyethyleneimine-polyetheleneglycol-EGF (polyIC/PP-EGF). Absence of EGFR activation, as previously shown by us and easier production of GE11 and GE11 conjugates, confer polyIC/PPGE11 a significant advantage over similar EGF-based polyplexes as a potential therapy of EGFR overexpressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galith Abourbeh
- Cyclotron/ Radiochemistry Unit/ Nuclear Medicine Department, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Alexei Shir
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Eyal Mishani
- Cyclotron/ Radiochemistry Unit/ Nuclear Medicine Department, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Manfred Ogris
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rödl
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Levitzki
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
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Levitzki A. Targeting the Immune System to Fight Cancer Using Chemical Receptor Homing Vectors Carrying Polyinosine/Cytosine (PolyIC). Front Oncol 2012; 2:4. [PMID: 22649773 PMCID: PMC3355921 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2012.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer researchers have been looking for ways to harness the immune system and to reinstate immune surveillance, to kill cancer cells without collateral damage. Here we scan current approaches to targeting the immune system against cancer, and emphasize our own approach. We are using chemical vectors attached to a specific ligand, to introduce synthetic dsRNA, polyinosine/cytosine (polyIC), into tumors. The ligand binds to a receptor protein that is overexpressed on the surface of the tumor cells. Upon ligand binding, the receptor complex is internalized, introducing the polyIC into the cell. In this fashion a large amount of synthetic dsRNA can be internalized, leading to the activation of dsRNA-binding proteins, such as dsRNA dependent protein kinase (PKR), Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-1), and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5). The simultaneous activation of these signaling proteins leads to the rapid demise of the targeted cell and to cytokine secretion. The cytokines lead to a strong bystander effect and to the recruitment of immune cells that converge upon the targeted cells. The bystander effects lead to the destruction of neighboring tumor cells not targeted themselves by the vector. Normal cells, being more robust than tumor cells, survive. This strategy has several advantages: (1) recruitment of the immune system is localized to the tumor. (2) The response is rapid, leading to fast tumor eradication. (3) The bystander effects lead to the eradication of tumor cells not harboring the target. (4) The multiplicity of pro-death signaling pathways elicited by PolyIC minimizes the likelihood of the emergence of resistance. In this chapter we focus on EGFR as the targeted receptor, which is overexpressed in many tumors. In principle, the strategy can be extended to other tumors that overexpress a protein that can be internalized by a ligand, which can be a small molecule, a single chain antibody, or an affibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Levitzki
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem, Israel
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Invading target cells: multifunctional polymer conjugates as therapeutic nucleic acid carriers. Front Chem Sci Eng 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s11705-011-1203-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Ogris M, Wagner E. To Be Targeted: Is the Magic Bullet Concept a Viable Option for Synthetic Nucleic Acid Therapeutics? Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:799-807. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Ogris
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich 81377, Germany
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Functional Polymer Conjugates for Medicinal Nucleic Acid Delivery. POLYMERS IN NANOMEDICINE 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/12_2011_148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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