1
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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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Szymanowski W, Szymanowska A, Bielawska A, Lopez-Berestein G, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Amero P. Aptamers as Potential Therapeutic Tools for Ovarian Cancer: Advancements and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5300. [PMID: 37958473 PMCID: PMC10647731 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most common lethal gynecologic cause of death in women worldwide, with a high mortality rate and increasing incidence. Despite advancements in the treatment, most OC patients still die from their disease due to late-stage diagnosis, the lack of effective diagnostic methods, and relapses. Aptamers, synthetic, short single-stranded oligonucleotides, have emerged as promising anticancer therapeutics. Their ability to selectively bind to target molecules, including cancer-related proteins and receptors, has revolutionized drug discovery and biomarker identification. Aptamers offer unique insights into the molecular pathways involved in cancer development and progression. Moreover, they show immense potential as drug delivery systems, enabling targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to cancer cells while minimizing off-target effects and reducing systemic toxicity. In the context of OC, the integration of aptamers with non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) presents an opportunity for precise and efficient gene targeting. Additionally, the conjugation of aptamers with nanoparticles allows for accurate and targeted delivery of ncRNAs to specific cells, tissues, or organs. In this review, we will summarize the potential use and challenges associated with the use of aptamers alone or aptamer-ncRNA conjugates, nanoparticles, and multivalent aptamer-based therapeutics for the treatment of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Szymanowski
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (W.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Szymanowska
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
| | - Anna Bielawska
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (W.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.S.); (G.L.-B.); (C.R.-A.)
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3
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Rahimi A, Esmaeili Y, Dana N, Dabiri A, Rahimmanesh I, Jandaghain S, Vaseghi G, Shariati L, Zarrabi A, Javanmard SH, Cordani M. A comprehensive review on novel targeted therapy methods and nanotechnology-based gene delivery systems in melanoma. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023:106476. [PMID: 37236377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma, a malignant form of skin cancer, has been swiftly increasing in recent years. Although there have been significant advancements in clinical treatment underlying a well-understanding of melanoma-susceptible genes and the molecular basis of melanoma pathogenesis, the permanency of response to therapy is frequently constrained by the emergence of acquired resistance and systemic toxicity. Conventional therapies, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, have already been used to treat melanoma and are dependent on the cancer stage. Nevertheless, ineffective side effects and the heterogeneity of tumors pose major obstacles to the therapeutic treatment of malignant melanoma through such strategies. In light of this, advanced therapies including nucleic acid therapies (ncRNA, aptamers), suicide gene therapies, and gene therapy using tumor suppressor genes, have lately gained immense attention in the field of cancer treatment. Furthermore, nanomedicine and targeted therapy based on gene editing tools have been applied to the treatment of melanoma as potential cancer treatment approaches nowadays. Indeed, nanovectors enable delivery of the therapeutic agents into the tumor sites by passive or active targeting, improving therapeutic efficiency and minimizing adverse effects. Accordingly, in this review, we summarized the recent findings related to novel targeted therapy methods as well as nanotechnology-based gene systems in melanoma. We also discussed current issues along with potential directions for future research, paving the way for the next-generation of melanoma treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Rahimi
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Yasaman Esmaeili
- Biosensor Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Nasim Dana
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arezou Dabiri
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ilnaz Rahimmanesh
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Setareh Jandaghain
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Golnaz Vaseghi
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8158388994, Iran
| | - Laleh Shariati
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul 34396, Turkey
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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4
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Kara N, Ayoub N, Ilgu H, Fotiadis D, Ilgu M. Aptamers Targeting Membrane Proteins for Sensor and Diagnostic Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093728. [PMID: 37175137 PMCID: PMC10180177 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many biological processes (physiological or pathological) are relevant to membrane proteins (MPs), which account for almost 30% of the total of human proteins. As such, MPs can serve as predictive molecular biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Indeed, cell surface MPs are an important class of attractive targets of the currently prescribed therapeutic drugs and diagnostic molecules used in disease detection. The oligonucleotides known as aptamers can be selected against a particular target with high affinity and selectivity by iterative rounds of in vitro library evolution, known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment (SELEX). As an alternative to antibodies, aptamers offer unique features like thermal stability, low-cost, reuse, ease of chemical modification, and compatibility with various detection techniques. Particularly, immobilized-aptamer sensing platforms have been under investigation for diagnostics and have demonstrated significant value compared to other analytical techniques. These "aptasensors" can be classified into several types based on their working principle, which are commonly electrochemical, optical, or mass-sensitive. In this review, we review the studies on aptamer-based MP-sensing technologies for diagnostic applications and have included new methodological variations undertaken in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilufer Kara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Nooraldeen Ayoub
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Huseyin Ilgu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Muslum Ilgu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Aptalogic Inc., Ames, IA 50014, USA
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5
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Sanati M, Afshari AR, Ahmadi SS, Kesharwani P, Sahebkar A. Aptamers against cancer drug resistance: Small fighters switching tactics in the face of defeat. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166720. [PMID: 37062453 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Discovering novel cancer therapies has attracted extreme interest in the last decade. In this regard, multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapies is the primary challenge in cancer treatment. Cancerous cells are growingly become resistant to existing chemotherapeutics by employing diverse mechanisms, highlighting the significance of discovering approaches to overcome MDR. One promising strategy is utilizing aptamers as unique tools to target elements or signalings incorporated in resistance mechanisms or develop active targeted drug delivery systems or chimeras enabling the precise delivery of novel agents to inhibit the conventionally undruggable resistance elements. Further, due to their advantages over their proteinaceous counterparts, particularly antibodies, including improved targeting action, enhanced thermal stability, easier production, and superior tumor penetration, aptamers are emerging and have frequently been considered for developing cancer therapeutics. Here, we highlighted significant chemoresistance pathways and thoroughly discussed using aptamers as prospective tools to surmount cancer MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ahmadi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Khatam-Ol-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, India.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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6
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Shishparenok AN, Furman VV, Zhdanov DD. DNA-Based Nanomaterials as Drug Delivery Platforms for Increasing the Effect of Drugs in Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2151. [PMID: 37046816 PMCID: PMC10093432 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072151] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology has significantly advanced and might be used in biomedical applications, drug delivery, and cancer treatment during the past few decades. DNA nanomaterials are widely used in biomedical research involving biosensing, bioimaging, and drug delivery since they are remarkably addressable and biocompatible. Gradually, modified nucleic acids have begun to be employed to construct multifunctional DNA nanostructures with a variety of architectural designs. Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids (both DNAs and RNAs) capable of self-pairing to acquire secondary structure and of specifically binding with the target. Diagnosis and tumor therapy are prospective fields in which aptamers can be applied. Many DNA nanomaterials with three-dimensional structures have been studied as drug delivery systems for different anticancer medications or gene therapy agents. Different chemical alterations can be employed to construct a wide range of modified DNA nanostructures. Chemically altered DNA-based nanomaterials are useful for drug delivery because of their improved stability and inclusion of functional groups. In this work, the most common oligonucleotide nanomaterials were reviewed as modern drug delivery systems in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiya N. Shishparenok
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vitalina V. Furman
- Center of Chemical Engineering, ITMO University, Kronverkskiy Prospekt 49A, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biochemistry, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya St. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
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7
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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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8
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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: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [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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Gholikhani T, Kumar S, Valizadeh H, Mahdinloo S, Adibkia K, Zakeri-Milani P, Barzegar-Jalali M, Jimenez B. Advances in Aptamers-Based Applications in Breast Cancer: Drug Delivery, Therapeutics, and Diagnostics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214475. [PMID: 36430951 PMCID: PMC9695968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are synthetic single-stranded oligonucleotides (such as RNA and DNA) evolved in vitro using Systematic Evolution of Ligands through Exponential enrichment (SELEX) techniques. Aptamers are evolved to have high affinity and specificity to targets; hence, they have a great potential for use in therapeutics as delivery agents and/or in treatment strategies. Aptamers can be chemically synthesized and modified in a cost-effective manner and are easy to hybridize to a variety of nano-particles and other agents which has paved a way for targeted therapy and diagnostics applications such as in breast tumors. In this review, we systematically explain different aptamer adoption approaches to therapeutic or diagnostic uses when addressing breast tumors. We summarize the current therapeutic techniques to address breast tumors including aptamer-base approaches. We discuss the next aptamer-based therapeutic and diagnostic approaches targeting breast tumors. Finally, we provide a perspective on the future of aptamer-based sensors for breast therapeutics and diagnostics. In this section, the therapeutic applications of aptamers will be discussed for the targeting therapy of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooba Gholikhani
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166-15731, Iran
- NanoRa Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Tabriz 5166-15731, Iran
| | - Shalen Kumar
- IQ Science Limited, Wellington 5010, New Zealand
| | - Hadi Valizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166-15731, Iran
| | - Somayeh Mahdinloo
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166-15731, Iran
| | - Khosro Adibkia
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166-15731, Iran
| | - Parvin Zakeri-Milani
- Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166-15731, Iran
| | - Mohammad Barzegar-Jalali
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166-15731, Iran
| | - Balam Jimenez
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
- Correspondence:
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10
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The Landscape of Nucleic-Acid-Based Aptamers for Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies: Challenges and Future Directions. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9110635. [PMID: 36354547 PMCID: PMC9687288 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9110635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloproliferative disorder and plasma cell neoplasia, are genetically heterogeneous and characterized by an uncontrolled proliferation of their corresponding cell lineages in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, tissues or plasma. Although there are many types of therapeutic drugs (e.g., TKIs, chemotherapy drugs) available for treatment of different malignancies, the relapse, drug resistance and severe side effects due to the lack of selectivity seriously limit their clinical application. Currently, although antibody–drug conjugates have been well established as able to target and deliver highly potent chemotherapy agents into cancer cells for the reduction of damage to healthy cells and have achieved success in leukemia treatment, they still also have shortcomings such as high cost, high immunogenicity and low stability. Aptamers are ssDNA or RNA oligonucleotides that can also precisely deliver therapeutic agents into cancer cells through specifically recognizing the membrane protein on cancer cells, which is similar to the capabilities of monoclonal antibodies. Aptamers exhibit higher binding affinity, lower immunogenicity and higher thermal stability than antibodies. Therefore, in this review we comprehensively describe recent advances in the development of aptamer–drug conjugates (ApDCs) with cytotoxic payload through chemical linkers or direct incorporation, as well as further introduce the latest promising aptamers-based therapeutic strategies such as aptamer–T cell therapy and aptamer–PROTAC, clarifying their bright application, development direction and challenges in the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
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11
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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: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [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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CD16/PD-L1 bi-specific aptamer for cancer immunotherapy through recruiting NK cells and acting as immunocheckpoint blockade. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:998-1009. [PMID: 35228895 PMCID: PMC8844804 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that natural killer (NK) cells can be used as an alternative candidate of T cells for adoptive cell therapy (ACT) due to its high killing capacity, off-the-shelf utility, and low toxicity. Though NK cells provide rapid and potent immune effects, they still suffer from insufficient infiltration and tumor immunosuppression environment, which result in unsatisfactory therapeutic efficiency. Herein, a highly stable CD16/PD-L1 bi-specific aptamer (defined as CP-bi-apt) with high affinity and selectivity was introduced to overcome these obstacles. This CP-bi-apt can mediate a significant antitumor immunity by recruiting CD16-positive NK cells to directly contact with PD-L1 high-expressed tumor cells. In addition, the induced up-regulation of PD-L1 on tumor cells can inevitably occur as an adaptive response to most of the immunotherapeutic strategies. The prepared CP-bi-apt can be further used as an immune checkpoint inhibitor to specifically bind to PD-L1, thus reducing the negative impact of PD-L1 over-expression on the therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, this CP-bi-apt-based immunotherapy is simple, highly efficient, and has low side effects, showing a promising potential for clinical translation.
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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: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [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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14
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Wang Y, Liu X, Wu L, Ding L, Effah CY, Wu Y, Xiong Y, He L. Construction and bioapplications of aptamer-based dual recognition strategy. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 195:113661. [PMID: 34592501 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Aptamer-based dual recognition strategy, using dual aptamers or the cooperation of aptamers with other recognition elements, can better utilize the advantages of each recognition molecule and increase the design flexibility to effectively overcome the limitations of a single molecule recognition strategy, thereby improving the sensitivity and selectivity and facilitating the regulation of biological process. Hence, this review systematically tracks the construction and application of dual aptamers recognition strategy in the versatile detection of protein biomarkers, pathogenic microorganisms, cancer cells, and the treatment of some diseases and, more importantly, in functional regulation and imaging of cell-surface protein receptors. Then, the cooperation of aptamers with other recognition elements are briefly introduced. Potential challenges facing this field have been highlighted, aiming to expand bioanalytical applications of aptamer-based dual or multiple recognition strategies and meet the growing demand for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xinlian Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Longjie Wu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Lihua Ding
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Clement Yaw Effah
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yongjun Wu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yamin Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Leiliang He
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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15
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Zhang L, Zhou L, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Li L, Xie T, Chen Y, Li X, Ling N, Dai J, Sun X, Liu J, Zhao J, Peng T, Ye M. Development of a DNA Aptamer against Multidrug-Resistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma for In Vivo Imaging. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:54656-54664. [PMID: 34779207 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of cancer that has high rates of recurrence and mortality. One of the most important factors that lead to treatment failure of HCC is the acquisition of multidrug resistance (MDR). Development of specific ligands for multidrug-resistant HCC will provide useful molecular tools for precise diagnosis and targeted theranostics. Herein, a multidrug-resistant HCC cell (HepG2/MDR)-specific aptamer was developed through Cell-SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) technology. With dissociation constants lying in the nanomolar range, the molecularly designed PS-ZL-7c aptamer showed great selectivity to drug-resistant cancer cells. The in vivo imaging results illustrated that the PS-ZL-7c specifically accumulated in the drug-resistant tumors but not in drug-sensitive tumors and normal tissues, indicating that the PS-ZL-7c aptamer possessed excellent potential as a targeting ligand for precise diagnosis and target theranostics of multidrug-resistant HCC.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemical synthesis
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemical synthesis
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/pharmacology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnostic imaging
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Drug Development
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Hep G2 Cells
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Optical Imaging
- SELEX Aptamer Technique
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Lingli Zhou
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yibin Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Ling Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Tiantian Xie
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yinglei Chen
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Neng Ling
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Jing Dai
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xing Sun
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Molecular Biology Research Center & Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Jinfeng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Nanobiological Technology of Chinese Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Tianhuan Peng
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Mao Ye
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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16
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Sharma P, Singh N, Sharma S. ATP binding cassette transporters and cancer: revisiting their controversial role. Pharmacogenomics 2021; 22:1211-1235. [PMID: 34783261 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2021-0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC transporters) has been reported in various tissues such as the lung, liver, kidney, brain and intestine. These proteins account for the efflux of different compounds and metabolites across the membrane, thus decreasing the concentration of the toxic compounds. ABC transporter genes play a vital role in the development of multidrug resistance, which is the main obstacle that hinders the success of chemotherapy. Preclinical and clinical trials have investigated the probability of overcoming drug-associated resistance and substantial toxicities. The focus has been put on several strategies to overcome multidrug resistance. These strategies include the development of modulators that can modulate ABC transporters. This knowledge can be translated for clinical oncology treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, India
| | - Navneet Singh
- Department of Pulmonary medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Siddharth Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, India
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17
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18
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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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19
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Shigdar S, Schrand B, Giangrande PH, de Franciscis V. Aptamers: Cutting edge of cancer therapies. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2396-2411. [PMID: 34146729 PMCID: PMC8353241 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of an aptamer-based therapeutic has rapidly progressed following the first two reports in the 1990s, underscoring the advantages of aptamer drugs associated with their unique binding properties. In 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first therapeutic aptamer for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, Macugen developed by NeXstar. Since then, eleven aptamers have successfully entered clinical trials for various therapeutic indications. Despite some of the pre-clinical and clinical successes of aptamers as therapeutics, no aptamer has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of cancer. This review highlights the most recent and cutting-edge approaches in the development of aptamers for the treatment of cancer types most refractory to conventional therapies. Herein, we will review (1) the development of aptamers to enhance anti-cancer immunity and as delivery tools for inducing the expression of immunogenic neoantigens; (2) the development of the most promising therapeutic aptamers designed to target the hard-to-treat cancers such as brain tumors; and (3) the development of "carrier" aptamers able to target and penetrate tumors and metastasis, delivering RNA therapeutics to the cytosol and nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shigdar
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Brett Schrand
- TCR(2) Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Paloma H Giangrande
- Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; VP Platform Discovery Sciences, Biology, Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy; Initiative for RNA Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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20
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Du Y, Zhang D, Wang Y, Wu M, Zhang C, Zheng Y, Zheng A, Liu X. A highly stable multifunctional aptamer for enhancing antitumor immunity against hepatocellular carcinoma by blocking dual immune checkpoints. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:4159-4168. [PMID: 33970170 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm02210a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
T-lymphocytes play a potent role in cancer immunotherapy; while, limited tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) combined with severe immunosuppression always significantly hinder their antitumor immune responses, especially in solid tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we prepared a highly stable multifunctional aptamer for strengthening antitumor immunity against HCC solid tumors through a dual immune checkpoint blockade of CTLA-4 and PD-L1. The engineered multifunctional aptamer (termed P1/C4-bi-apt) can block both CTLA-4/B7 and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathways and thus enhance the antitumor immune responses. Furthermore, it can direct CTLA-4-positive T cells to infiltrate into tumors to further enhance the antitumor efficacy compared to a single blockage of CTLA-4 or PD-L1. As a result, the multifunctional aptamer can significantly inhibit tumor growth and thus improve the long-term survival of HCC-bearing mice. The designed multifunctional aptamer is simple, stable and easy to prepare, and it can significantly strengthen the functionality of T cells, holding great potential for HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Du
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China. and Fujian Institute of Research on The Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
| | - Da Zhang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China.
| | - Yiru Wang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, P. R. China
| | - Ming Wu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China.
| | - Cuilin Zhang
- 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.
| | - Aixian 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.
| | - 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. and Fujian Institute of Research on The Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
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21
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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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22
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Estevinho MM, Fernandes C, Silva JC, Gomes AC, Afecto E, Correia J, Carvalho J. Role of ATP-binding Cassette Transporters in Sorafenib Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: an overview. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 23:21-32. [PMID: 33845738 DOI: 10.2174/1389450122666210412125018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular therapy with sorafenib remains the mainstay for advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. Notwithstanding, treatment efficacy is low, with few patients obtaining long-lasting benefits due to the high chemoresistance rate. OBJECTIVE To perform, for the first time, an overview of the literature concerning the role of adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in sorafenib therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS Three online databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched, from inception to October 2020. Studies selection, analysis and data collection was independently performed by two authors. RESULTS The search yielded 224 results; 29 were selected for inclusion. Most studies were pre-clinical, using HCC cell lines; three used human samples. Studies highlight the effect of sorafenib in decreasing ABC transporters expression. Conversely, it is described the role of ABC transporters, particularly multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR-1), multidrug resistance-associated proteins 1 and 2 (MRP-1 and MRP-2) and ABC subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) in sorafenib pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, being key resistance factors. Combination therapy with naturally available or synthetic compounds that modulate ABC transporters may revert sorafenib resistance, by increasing absorption and intracellular concentration. CONCLUSION A deeper understanding of ABC transporters' mechanisms may provide guidance for developing innovative approaches for hepatocellular carcinoma. Further studies are warranted to translate the current knowledge into practice and paving the way to individualized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Manuela Estevinho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. b Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto. Portugal
| | - Carlos Fernandes
- Department of Gastroenterology, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. b Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto. Portugal
| | - João Carlos Silva
- Department of Gastroenterology, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. b Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto. Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Gomes
- Department of Gastroenterology, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. b Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto. Portugal
| | - Edgar Afecto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. b Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto. Portugal
| | - João Correia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. b Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto. Portugal
| | - João Carvalho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. b Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto. Portugal
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23
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Ni S, Zhuo Z, Pan Y, Yu Y, Li F, Liu J, Wang L, Wu X, Li D, Wan Y, Zhang L, Yang Z, Zhang BT, Lu A, Zhang G. Recent Progress in Aptamer Discoveries and Modifications for Therapeutic Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:9500-9519. [PMID: 32603135 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c05750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are oligonucleotide sequences with a length of about 25-80 bases which have abilities to bind to specific target molecules that rival those of monoclonal antibodies. They are attracting great attention in diverse clinical translations on account of their various advantages, including prolonged storage life, little batch-to-batch differences, very low immunogenicity, and feasibility of chemical modifications for enhancing stability, prolonging the half-life in serum, and targeted delivery. In this Review, we demonstrate the emerging aptamer discovery technologies in developing advanced techniques for producing aptamers with high performance consistently and efficiently as well as requiring less cost and resources but offering a great chance of success. Further, the diverse modifications of aptamers for therapeutic applications including therapeutic agents, aptamer-drug conjugates, and targeted delivery materials are comprehensively summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaijian Ni
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zhenjian Zhuo
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yufei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Fangfei Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Wu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Dijie Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Youyang Wan
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Lihe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhenjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bao-Ting Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
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Aptamers Against Live Targets: Is In Vivo SELEX Finally Coming to the Edge? MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 21:192-204. [PMID: 32585627 PMCID: PMC7321788 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapeutics underwent a revolution with the entry of monoclonal antibodies in the medical toolkit. Oligonucleotide aptamers form another family of target agents that have been lagging behind in reaching the clinical arena in spite of their potential clinical translation. Some of the reasons for this might be related to the challenge in identifying aptamers with optimal in vivo specificity, and the nature of their pharmacokinetics. Aptamers usually show exquisite specificity, but they are also molecules that display dynamic structures subject to changing environments. Temperature, ion atmosphere, pH, and other variables are factors that could determine the affinity and specificity of aptamers. Thus, it is important to tune the aptamer selection process to the conditions in which you want your final aptamer to function; ideally, for in vivo applications, aptamers should be selected in an in vivo-like system or, ultimately, in a whole in vivo organism. In this review we recapitulate the implementations in systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) to obtain aptamers with the best in vivo activity.
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25
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Shen T, Zhang Y, Zhou S, Lin S, Zhang XB, Zhu G. Nucleic Acid Immunotherapeutics for Cancer. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:2838-2849. [PMID: 33681722 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed the blossom of two fields: nucleic acid therapeutics and cancer immunotherapy. Unlike traditional small molecule medicines or protein biologics, nucleic acid therapeutics have characteristic features such as storing genetic information, immunomodulation, and easy conformational recovery. Immunotherapy uses the patients' own immune system to treat cancer. A variety of strategies have been developed for cancer immunotherapy including immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell transfer therapy, therapeutic vaccines, and oncolytic virotherapy. Interestingly, nucleic acid therapeutics have emerged as a pivotal class of regimen for cancer immunotherapy. Examples of such nucleic acid immunotherapeutics include immunostimulatory DNA/RNA, mRNA/plasmids that can be translated into immunotherapeutic proteins/peptides, and genome-editing nucleic acids. Like many other therapeutic nucleic acids, nucleic acid immunotherapeutics often require chemical modifications to protect them from enzymatic degradation and need drug delivery systems for optimal delivery to target tissues and cells and subcellular locations. In this review, we attempted to summarize recent advancement in the interfacial field of nucleic acid immunotherapeutics for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Shen
- Molecular Sciences and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and College of Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Engineering and Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Department of Pharmaceutics, Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Sciences-School of Pharmacy; Massey Cancer Center; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Sciences-School of Pharmacy; Massey Cancer Center; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shurong Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Sciences-School of Pharmacy; Massey Cancer Center; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Zhang
- Molecular Sciences and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and College of Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Engineering and Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Guizhi Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Sciences-School of Pharmacy; Massey Cancer Center; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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26
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Wu L, Wang Y, Zhu L, Liu Y, Wang T, Liu D, Song Y, Yang C. Aptamer-Based Liquid Biopsy. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:2743-2764. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b01194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yidi Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yilong Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Teng Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Dan Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yanling Song
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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27
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Amawi H, Sim HM, Tiwari AK, Ambudkar SV, Shukla S. ABC Transporter-Mediated Multidrug-Resistant Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1141:549-580. [PMID: 31571174 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7647-4_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are involved in active pumping of many diverse substrates through the cellular membrane. The transport mediated by these proteins modulates the pharmacokinetics of many drugs and xenobiotics. These transporters are involved in the pathogenesis of several human diseases. The overexpression of certain transporters by cancer cells has been identified as a key factor in the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. In this chapter, the localization of ABC transporters in the human body, their physiological roles, and their roles in the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) are reviewed. Specifically, P-glycoprotein (P-GP), multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) are described in more detail. The potential of ABC transporters as therapeutic targets to overcome MDR and strategies for this purpose are discussed as well as various explanations for the lack of efficacy of ABC drug transporter inhibitors to increase the efficiency of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haneen Amawi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hong-May Sim
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Suresh V Ambudkar
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Suneet Shukla
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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28
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Maghsoudi S, Shahraki BT, Rabiee N, Afshari R, Fatahi Y, Dinarvand R, Ahmadi S, Bagherzadeh M, Rabiee M, Tayebi L, Tahriri M. Recent Advancements in aptamer-bioconjugates: Sharpening Stones for breast and prostate cancers targeting. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2019.101146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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29
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Wang L, Liang H, Sun J, Liu Y, Li J, Li J, Li J, Yang H. Bispecific Aptamer Induced Artificial Protein-Pairing: A Strategy for Selective Inhibition of Receptor Function. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:12673-12681. [PMID: 31381313 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b05123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cell surface receptors play a critical role in modulating intracellular signal transduction, making them important drug targets. However, it remains challenging to develop a selective and efficient strategy for regulating receptor function. Herein, we develop a strategy, called bispecific aptamer induced artificial protein-pairing, to selectively regulate receptor function. In this strategy, bispecific aptamer probes act as molecular mediators to bind to both a target receptor protein and a paired protein, which brings the two proteins into close proximity on the living cell membrane. Importantly, the paired proteins work not only as a cancer biomarker for enhancing cell selectivity but also as a blocking assistant to inhibit target receptor function via strong steric hindrance effect. Compared with single-aptamer-mediated regulation, the proposed bispecific aptamer probes afford substantial improvement in selective and efficient regulation of receptor function and downstream signaling pathways. This work offers a versatile methodology to design molecular mediators that can modulate receptor function, thereby providing a new way for developing novel therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Wang
- 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 350108 , People's Republic of China.,Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai 200240 , People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Liang
- 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 350108 , People's Republic of China.,Institute of Oceanography , Minjiang University , Fuzhou , Fujian 350108 , People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Sun
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai 200240 , People's Republic of China.,College of Biological Science and Engineering , Fuzhou University , Fuzhou 350108 , People's Republic of China
| | - Yichang Liu
- 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 350108 , People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyu 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 350108 , People's Republic of China
| | - Jingying Li
- College of Biological Science and Engineering , Fuzhou University , Fuzhou 350108 , People's Republic of 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 350108 , People's Republic of China.,Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai 200240 , People's Republic of 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 350108 , People's Republic of China
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30
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Yan J, Xiong H, Cai S, Wen N, He Q, Liu Y, Peng D, Liu Z. Advances in aptamer screening technologies. Talanta 2019; 200:124-144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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31
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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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Huff WX, Kwon JH, Henriquez M, Fetcko K, Dey M. The Evolving Role of CD8 +CD28 - Immunosenescent T Cells in Cancer Immunology. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112810. [PMID: 31181772 PMCID: PMC6600236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional, tumor-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes drive the adaptive immune response to cancer. Thus, induction of their activity is the ultimate aim of all immunotherapies. Success of anti-tumor immunotherapy is precluded by marked immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME) leading to CD8+ effector T cell dysfunction. Among the many facets of CD8+ T cell dysfunction that have been recognized—tolerance, anergy, exhaustion, and senescence—CD8+ T cell senescence is incompletely understood. Naïve CD8+ T cells require three essential signals for activation, differentiation, and survival through T-cell receptor, costimulatory receptors, and cytokine receptors. Downregulation of costimulatory molecule CD28 is a hallmark of senescent T cells and increased CD8+CD28− senescent populations with heterogeneous roles have been observed in multiple solid and hematogenous tumors. T cell senescence can be induced by several factors including aging, telomere damage, tumor-associated stress, and regulatory T (Treg) cells. Tumor-induced T cell senescence is yet another mechanism that enables tumor cell resistance to immunotherapy. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of CD8+CD28− senescent T cell population, their origin, their function in immunology and pathologic conditions, including TME and their implication for immunotherapy. Further characterization and investigation into this subset of CD8+ T cells could improve the efficacy of future anti-tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei X Huff
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Jae Hyun Kwon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Mario Henriquez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Kaleigh Fetcko
- Department of Neurology, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Mahua Dey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Maimaitiyiming Y, Hong DF, Yang C, Naranmandura H. Novel insights into the role of aptamers in the fight against cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2019; 145:797-810. [PMID: 30830295 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-02882-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Aptamers are a class of single-stranded nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) oligonucleotides that are screened in vitro by a technique called systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). They have stable three-dimensional structures that can bind to various targets with high affinity and specificity. Due to distinct properties such as easy synthesis, high stability, small size, low toxicity and immunogenicity, they have been largely studied as anticancer agents/tools. Consequently, aptamers are starting to play important roles in disease prevention, diagnosis and therapy. This review focuses on studies that evaluated the effect of aptamers on various aspects of cancer therapy. It also provides novel and unique insights into the role of aptamers on the fight against cancer. METHODS We reviewed literatures about the role of aptamers against cancer from PUBMED databases in this article. RESULTS Here, we summarized the role of aptamers on the fight against cancer in a unique point of view. Meanwhile, we presented novel ideas such as aptamer-pool-drug conjugates for the treatment of refractory cancers. CONCLUSIONS Aptamers and antibodies should form a "coalition" against cancers to maximize their advantages and minimize disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasen Maimaitiyiming
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - De Fei Hong
- The Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua Naranmandura
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. .,Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine and Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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34
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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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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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37
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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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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: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [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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Zhou SJ, Wei J, Su S, Chen FJ, Qiu YD, Liu BR. Strategies for Bispecific Single Chain Antibody in Cancer Immunotherapy. J Cancer 2017; 8:3689-3696. [PMID: 29151956 PMCID: PMC5688922 DOI: 10.7150/jca.19501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering has resulted in more than 50 recombinant bispecific antibody formats over the past two decades. Bispecific scFv antibodies represent a successful and promising immunotherapy platform that retargets cytotoxic T cells to tumor cells, with one scFv directed to tumor-associated antigens and the other to T cells. Based on this antibody construct, strategies for both specific tumor targeting and T cell activation are reviewed here. Three distinct types of tumor antigens are considered to optimize specificity and safety in bispecific scFv based treatment: cancer-testis antigens, neo-antigens and virus-associated antigens. In terms of T cell activation, although CD3 has been widely applied in bispecific scFvs being developed, CD28 and CD137 among co-stimulatory signals are also ideal candidates to be evaluated. Besides, LIGHT and HIV-Tat101 have drawn much attention as their potential roles in modulating antitumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Juan Zhou
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Wei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Su
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang-Jun Chen
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Dong Qiu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bao-Rui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Recent Advances in SELEX Technology and Aptamer Applications in Biomedicine. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102142. [PMID: 29036890 PMCID: PMC5666824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are short DNA/RNA oligonucleotides capable of binding to target molecules with high affinity and specificity. The process of selecting an aptamer is called Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Thanks to the inherit merits, aptamers have been used in a wide range of applications, including disease diagnosis, targeted delivery agents and therapeutic uses. To date, great achievements regarding the selection, modifications and application of aptamers have been made. However, few aptamer-based products have already successfully entered into clinical and industrial use. Besides, it is still a challenge to obtain aptamers with high affinity in a more efficient way. Thus, it is important to comprehensively review the current shortage and achievement of aptamer-related technology. In this review, we first present the limitations and notable advances of aptamer selection. Then, we compare the different methods used in the kinetic characterization of aptamers. We also discuss the impetus and developments of the clinical application of aptamers.
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41
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Zhou G, Latchoumanin O, Bagdesar M, Hebbard L, Duan W, Liddle C, George J, Qiao L. Aptamer-Based Therapeutic Approaches to Target Cancer Stem Cells. Theranostics 2017; 7:3948-3961. [PMID: 29109790 PMCID: PMC5667417 DOI: 10.7150/thno.20725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to be a principal cellular source for tumour progression and therapeutic drug resistance as they are capable of self-renewal and can differentiate into cancer cells. Importantly, CSCs acquire the ability to evade the killing effects of cytotoxic agents through changes at the genetic, epigenetic and micro-environment levels. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs hold great potential as an avenue for cancer treatment. Aptamers or "chemical antibodies" are a group of single-stranded nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) oligonucleotides with distinctive properties such as smaller size, lower toxicity and less immunogenicity compared to conventional antibodies. They have been frequently used to deliver therapeutic payloads to cancer cells and have achieved encouraging anti-tumour effects. This review discusses progress in CSC evolution theory and the role of aptamers to target CSCs for cancer treatment. Challenges of aptamer-mediated CSC targeting approaches are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhou
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Olivier Latchoumanin
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Mary Bagdesar
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Lionel Hebbard
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centre for Comparative Genomics, The Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Wei Duan
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3217, Australia
| | - Christopher Liddle
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Liang Qiao
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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42
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Catuogno S, Esposito CL. Aptamer Cell-Based Selection: Overview and Advances. Biomedicines 2017; 5:biomedicines5030049. [PMID: 28805744 PMCID: PMC5618307 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines5030049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are high affinity single-stranded DNA/RNA molecules, produced by a combinatorial procedure named SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment), that are emerging as promising diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Among selection strategies, procedures using living cells as complex targets (referred as "cell-SELEX") have been developed as an effective mean to generate aptamers for heavily modified cell surface proteins, assuring the binding of the target in its native conformation. Here we give an up-to-date overview on cell-SELEX technology, discussing the most recent advances with a particular focus on cancer cell targeting. Examples of the different protocol applications and post-SELEX strategies will be briefly outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Catuogno
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", CNR, Naples 80100, Italy.
| | - Carla Lucia Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", CNR, Naples 80100, Italy.
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Abstract
Aptamers are nucleic acids referred to as chemical antibodies as they bind to their specific targets with high affinity and selectivity. They are selected via an iterative process known as ‘selective evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment’ (SELEX). Aptamers have been developed against numerous cancer targets and among them, many tumor cell-membrane protein biomarkers. The identification of aptamers targeting cell-surface proteins has mainly been performed by two different strategies: protein- and cell-based SELEX, when the targets used for selection were proteins and cells, respectively. This review aims to update the literature on aptamers targeting tumor cell surface protein biomarkers, highlighting potentials, pitfalls of protein- and cell-based selection processes and applications of such selected molecules. Aptamers as promising agents for diagnosis and therapeutic approaches in oncology are documented, as well as aptamers in clinical development.
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Kumar D, Gorain M, Kundu G, Kundu GC. Therapeutic implications of cellular and molecular biology of cancer stem cells in melanoma. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:7. [PMID: 28137308 PMCID: PMC5282877 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-016-0578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a form of cancer that initiates in melanocytes. Melanoma has multiple phenotypically distinct subpopulation of cells, some of them have embryonic like plasticity which are involved in self-renewal, tumor initiation, metastasis and progression and provide reservoir of therapeutically resistant cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) can be identified and characterized based on various unique cell surface and intracellular markers. CSCs exhibit different molecular pattern with respect to non-CSCs. They maintain their stemness and chemoresistant features through specific signaling cascades. CSCs are weak in immunogenicity and act as immunosupressor in the host system. Melanoma treatment becomes difficult and survival is greatly reduced when the patient develop metastasis. Standard conventional oncology treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical resection are only responsible for shrinking the bulk of the tumor mass and tumor tends to relapse. Thus, targeting CSCs and their microenvironment niche addresses the alternative of traditional cancer therapy. Combined use of CSCs targeted and traditional therapies may kill the bulk tumor and CSCs and offer a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, 411007, India
| | - Mahadeo Gorain
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, 411007, India
| | - Gautam Kundu
- Deapartment of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Gopal C Kundu
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, 411007, India.
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Chen M, Yu Y, Jiang F, Zhou J, Li Y, Liang C, Dang L, Lu A, Zhang G. Development of Cell-SELEX Technology and Its Application in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17122079. [PMID: 27973403 PMCID: PMC5187879 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17122079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) is a process involving the progressive isolation of high selective ssDNA/RNA from a combinatorial single-stranded oligonucleotide library through repeated rounds of binding, partitioning and amplification. SELEX-derived single-stranded DNA/RNA molecules, called aptamers, are selected against a wide range of targets, including purified proteins, live cells, tissues, microorganisms, small molecules and so on. With the development of SELEX technology over the last two decades, various modified SELEX processes have been arisen. A majority of aptamers are selected against purified proteins through traditional SELEX. Unfortunately, more and more evidence showed aptamers selected against purified membrane proteins failed to recognize their targets in live cells. Cell-SELEX could develop aptamers against a particular target cell line to discriminate this cell line from others. Therefore, cell-SELEX has been widely used to select aptamers for the application of both diagnosis and therapy of various diseases, especially for cancer. In this review, the advantages and limitations of cell-SELEX and SELEX against purified protein will be compared. Various modified cell-SELEX techniques will be summarized, and application of cell-SELEX in cancer diagnosis and therapy will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Chen
- Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU (Haimen) Institute of Science and Technology, Haimen 226100, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
- Shenzhen Lab of Comninatorial Compounds and Targeted Drug Delivery, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Feng Jiang
- Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU (Haimen) Institute of Science and Technology, Haimen 226100, China.
- The State Key Laboratory Base of Novel Functional Materials and Preparation Science, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
| | - Junwei Zhou
- Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Yongshu Li
- Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Chao Liang
- Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Lei Dang
- Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU (Haimen) Institute of Science and Technology, Haimen 226100, China.
- Shenzhen Lab of Comninatorial Compounds and Targeted Drug Delivery, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Ge Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU (Haimen) Institute of Science and Technology, Haimen 226100, China.
- Shenzhen Lab of Comninatorial Compounds and Targeted Drug Delivery, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China.
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Aptamers for CD Antigens: From Cell Profiling to Activity Modulation. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 6:29-44. [PMID: 28325295 PMCID: PMC5363458 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based aptamers are considered to be a promising alternative to antibodies because of their strong and specific binding to diverse targets, fast and inexpensive chemical synthesis, and easy labeling with a fluorescent dye or therapeutic agent. Cluster of differentiation (CD) proteins are among the most popular antigens for aptamers on the cell surface. These anti-CD aptamers could be used in cell biology and biomedicine, from simple cell phenotyping by flow cytometry or fluorescent microscopy to diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS to cancer and immune therapies. The unique feature of aptamers is that they can act simultaneously as an agonist and antagonist of CD receptors depending on a degree of aptamer oligomerization. Aptamers can also deliver small interfering RNA to silence vital genes in CD-positive cells. In this review, we summarize nucleic acid sequences of anti-CD aptamers and their use, which have been validated in multiple studies.
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Co-Signaling Molecules in Maternal-Fetal Immunity. Trends Mol Med 2016; 23:46-58. [PMID: 27914866 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Physiologically, a successful pregnancy requires the maternal immune system to recognize and tolerate the semiallogeneic fetus, and allow for normal invasion of trophoblasts. Thus, pregnancy complications are considered to be associated with dysfunctional maternal-fetal crosstalk. Co-signaling molecules are a group of cell surface molecules that positively or negatively modulate the immune response. Well studied in the fields of oncology and transplantation, they are also suggested to be involved in maternal-fetal crosstalk. Here, we review the latest knowledge on the expression and function of such co-signaling molecules, highlighting their immunoregulatory roles in maternal-fetal tolerance and decidual vascular remodeling, and their involvement in pathological pregnancies. This review may instruct future basic research on, and clinical applications for, maternal-fetal immunity.
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Pastor F. Aptamers: A New Technological Platform in Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:E64. [PMID: 27783034 PMCID: PMC5198039 DOI: 10.3390/ph9040064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The renaissance of cancer immunotherapy is, nowadays, a reality. In the near future, it will be very likely among the first-line treatments for cancer patients. There are several different approaches to modulate the immune system to fight against tumor maladies but, so far, monoclonal antibodies may currently be the most successful immuno-tools used to that end. The number of ongoing clinical trials with monoclonal antibodies has been increasing exponentially over the last few years upon the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first immune-checkpoint blockade antibodies. In spite of the proved antitumor effect of these reagents, the unleashing of the immune system to fight cancer cells has a cost, namely auto-inflammatory toxicity. Additionally, only a small fraction of all patients treated with immune-checkpoint antibodies have a clinical benefit. Taking into account all this, it is urgent new therapeutic reagents are developed with a contained toxicity that could facilitate the combination of different immune-modulating pathways to broaden the antitumor effect in most cancer patients. Based on preclinical data, oligonucleotide aptamers could fulfill this need. Aptamers have not only been successfully used as antagonists of immune-checkpoint receptors, but also as agonists of immunostimulatory receptors in cancer immunotherapy. The simplicity of aptamers to be engineered for the specific delivery of different types of cargos to tumor cells and immune cells so as to harvest an efficient antitumor immune response gives aptamers a significant advantage over antibodies. In this review all of the recent applications of aptamers in cancer immunotherapy will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Pastor
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain.
- Program of Molecular Therapies, Aptamer Unit, Centro de Investigación Medica Aplicada (CIMA), Pamplona 31008, Spain.
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Aptamers: A Feasible Technology in Cancer Immunotherapy. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:1083738. [PMID: 27413756 PMCID: PMC4931050 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1083738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are single-chained RNA or DNA oligonucleotides (ODNs) with three-dimensional folding structures which allow them to bind to their targets with high specificity. Aptamers normally show affinities comparable to or higher than that of antibodies. They are chemically synthesized and therefore less expensive to manufacture and produce. A variety of aptamers described to date have been shown to be reliable in modulating immune responses against cancer by either blocking or activating immune receptors. Some of them have been conjugated to other molecules to target the immune system and reduce off-target side effects. Despite the success of first-line treatments against cancer, the elevated number of relapsing cases and the tremendous side effects shown by the commonly used agents hinder conventional treatments against cancer. The advantages provided by aptamers could enhance the therapeutic index of a given strategy and therefore enhance the antitumor effect. Here we recapitulate the provided benefits of aptamers with immunomodulatory activity described to date in cancer therapy and the benefits that aptamer-based immunotherapy could provide either alone or combined with first-line treatments in cancer therapy.
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Abstract
Aptamers are chemically synthesized oligonucleotides that can be easily engineered for cancer immunotherapy use. So far, most of the therapeutic aptamers described are antagonistic and block the function of a receptor or its soluble ligand. Recently, aptamers have been modified to act as agonists by multimerization, with a direct application in cancer immunotherapy. Several agonistic aptamers against costimulatory receptors have been described. However, systemic costimulation, though potentially a very potent antitumor immune strategy, is not devoid of auto-inflammatory side effects. In a quest to reduce toxicity and improve efficacy – reducing the therapeutic index – the first bi-specific aptamers to target the costimulatory ligand to the tumor have been described, showing very promising results in different preclinical tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Pastor
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Recinto de Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain.,Program of Molecular Therapies, Aptamer Unit, Centro de Investigación Medica Aplicada (CIMA), Pamplona, 31008, Spain
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