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Stranford DM, Simons LM, Berman KE, Cheng L, DiBiase BN, Hung ME, Lucks JB, Hultquist JF, Leonard JN. Genetically encoding multiple functionalities into extracellular vesicles for the targeted delivery of biologics to T cells. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:397-414. [PMID: 38012307 PMCID: PMC11088532 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01142-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The genetic modification of T cells has advanced cellular immunotherapies, yet the delivery of biologics specifically to T cells remains challenging. Here we report a suite of methods for the genetic engineering of cells to produce extracellular vesicles (EVs)-which naturally encapsulate and transfer proteins and nucleic acids between cells-for the targeted delivery of biologics to T cells without the need for chemical modifications. Specifically, the engineered cells secreted EVs that actively loaded protein cargo via a protein tag and that displayed high-affinity T-cell-targeting domains and fusogenic glycoproteins. We validated the methods by engineering EVs that delivered Cas9-single-guide-RNA complexes to ablate the gene encoding the C-X-C chemokine co-receptor type 4 in primary human CD4+ T cells. The strategy is amenable to the targeted delivery of biologics to other cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin M Stranford
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Lacy M Simons
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Havey Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Katherine E Berman
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Training Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Luyi Cheng
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Training Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Beth N DiBiase
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Michelle E Hung
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Training Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Julius B Lucks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Training Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Judd F Hultquist
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Havey Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joshua N Leonard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Training Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Member, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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2
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Erana-Perez Z, Igartua M, Santos-Vizcaino E, Hernandez RM. Genetically engineered loaded extracellular vesicles for drug delivery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:350-365. [PMID: 38508958 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) for drug delivery is being widely explored by scientists from several research fields. To fully exploit their therapeutic potential, multiple methods for loading EVs have been developed. Although exogenous methods have been extensively utilized, in recent years the endogenous method has gained significant attention. This approach, based on parental cell genetic engineering, is suitable for loading large therapeutic biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. We review the most commonly used EV loading methods and emphasize the inherent advantages of the endogenous method over the others. We also examine the most recent advances and applications of this innovative approach to inform on the diverse therapeutic opportunities that lie ahead in the field of EV-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuriñe Erana-Perez
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Manoli Igartua
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Edorta Santos-Vizcaino
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - Rosa Maria Hernandez
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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3
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Li P, Xie Y, Wang J, Bao C, Duan J, Liu Y, Luo Q, Xu J, Ren Y, Jiang M, Li J, Guo H, Zhao H, Wang G, Liang Y, Lu W. Gene engineered exosome reverses T cell exhaustion in cancer immunotherapy. Bioact Mater 2024; 34:466-481. [PMID: 38292412 PMCID: PMC10825617 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients by immune checkpoint therapy have achieved long-term remission, with no recurrence of clinical symptoms of cancer for many years. Nevertheless, more than half of cancer patients are not responsive to this therapy due to immune exhaustion. Here, we report a novel gene engineered exosome which is rationally designed by engineering PD1 gene and simultaneously enveloping an immune adjuvant imiquimod (PD1-Imi Exo) for boosting response of cancer immune checkpoint blockage therapy. The results showed that PD1-Imi Exo had a vesicular round shape (approximately 139 nm), revealed a significant targeting and a strong binding effect with both cancer cell and dendritic cell, and demonstrated a remarkable therapeutic efficacy in the melanoma-bearing mice and in the breast cancer-bearing mice. The mechanism was associated with two facts that PD1-Imi Exo blocked the binding of CD8+ T cell with cancer cell, displaying a PD1/PDL1 immune checkpoint blockage effect, and that imiquimod released from PD1-Imi Exo promoted the maturation of immature dendritic cell, exhibiting a reversing effect on the immune exhaustion through activating and restoring function of CD8+ T cell. In conclusion, the gene engineered exosome could be used for reversing T cell exhaustion in cancer immunotherapy. This study also offers a promising new strategy for enhancing PD1/PDL1 therapeutic efficacy, preventing tumor recurrence or metastasis after surgery by rebuilding the patients' immunity, thus consolidating the overall prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peishan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jinling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Chunjie Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jialun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qian Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jiarui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuxin Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jianwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Haitao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Huihui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Guiling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yanqin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Institute of Collaborative Innovation, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Wanliang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
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4
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Idris A, Shrivastava S, Supramaniam A, Ray RM, Shevchenko G, Acharya D, McMillan NAJ, Morris KV. Extracellular Vesicles Loaded with Long Antisense RNAs Repress Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection. Nucleic Acid Ther 2024. [PMID: 38530082 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Long antisense RNAs (asRNAs) have been observed to repress HIV and other virus expression in a manner that is refractory to viral evolution. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease, has a distinct ability to evolve resistance around antibody targeting, as was evident from the emergence of various SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody variants. Importantly, the effectiveness of current antivirals is waning due to the rapid emergence of new variants of concern, more recently the omicron variant. One means of avoiding the emergence of viral resistance is by using long asRNA to target SARS-CoV-2. Similar work has proven successful with HIV targeting by long asRNA. In this study, we describe a long asRNA targeting SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene and the ability to deliver this RNA in extracellular vesicles (EVs) to repress virus expression. The observations presented in this study suggest that EV-delivered asRNAs are one means to targeting SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is both effective and broadly applicable as a means to control viral expression in the absence of mutation. This is the first demonstration of the use of engineered EVs to deliver long asRNA payloads for antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Idris
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Surya Shrivastava
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Aroon Supramaniam
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Roslyn M Ray
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Galina Shevchenko
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Dhruba Acharya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nigel A J McMillan
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kevin V Morris
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Australia
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5
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Kirian RD, Steinman D, Jewell CM, Zierden HC. Extracellular vesicles as carriers of mRNA: Opportunities and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Theranostics 2024; 14:2265-2289. [PMID: 38505610 PMCID: PMC10945352 DOI: 10.7150/thno.93115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced by all cells in the body. These biological nanoparticles facilitate cellular communication through the transport of diverse cargoes, including small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids. mRNA cargoes have gained particular interest given their role in the translation of functional proteins. As a biomarker platform, EVs can be found in nearly all biofluids-blood, mucus, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and saliva-providing real-time insight into parent cell and tissue function. mRNAs carried by EVs are protected from degradation, resulting in improved detection compared to free mRNA, and recent work demonstrates promising results in using these mRNA cargoes as biomarkers for cancer, neurological diseases, infectious diseases, and gynecologic and obstetric outcomes. Furthermore, given the innate cargo carrying, targeting, and barrier crossing abilities of EVs, these structures have been proposed as therapeutic carriers of mRNA. Recent advances demonstrate methods for loading mRNAs into EVs for a range of disease indications. Here, we review recent studies using EVs and their mRNA cargoes as diagnostics and therapeutics. We discuss challenges associated with EVs in diagnostic and therapeutic applications and highlight opportunities for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D. Kirian
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Darby Steinman
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Christopher M. Jewell
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Hannah C. Zierden
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201
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Hu S, Feng L, Yang Z, Fan X, Gao H, Yang T. A recognition of exosomes as regulators of epigenetic mechanisms in central nervous system diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1370449. [PMID: 38528957 PMCID: PMC10962328 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1370449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes, vesicular structures originating from cells, participate in the conveyance of proteins and nucleic acids. Presently, the centrality of epigenetic modifications in neurological disorders is widely acknowledged. Exosomes exert influence over various epigenetic phenomena, thereby modulating post-transcriptional regulatory processes contingent upon their constituent makeup. Consequently, the heightened attention directed toward exosomes as instigators of epigenetic alterations has burgeoned in recent years. Notably, exosomes serve as vehicles for delivering methyltransferases to recipient cells. More significantly, non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), represent pivotal contents within exosomes, wielding the capacity to influence the expression of diverse factors within the cerebral milieu. The transfer of these exosomal contents amidst brain cells, encompassing neuronal cells and microglia, assumes a critical role in the genesis and progression of neurological disorders, also, this role is not limited to neurological disorders, it may deal with any human disease, such as cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. This review will concentrate on elucidating the regulation of exosome-induced epigenetic events and its subsequent ramifications for neurological diseases. A more profound comprehension of the involvement of exosome-mediated epigenetic regulation in neurological disorders contributes to a heightened awareness of the etiology and advancement of cerebral afflictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunxin Hu
- Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, China
| | - Lei Feng
- Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | | | - Xuechen Fan
- Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, China
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Huang Y, Guo X, Wu Y, Chen X, Feng L, Xie N, Shen G. Nanotechnology's frontier in combatting infectious and inflammatory diseases: prevention and treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:34. [PMID: 38378653 PMCID: PMC10879169 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01745-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation-associated diseases encompass a range of infectious diseases and non-infectious inflammatory diseases, which continuously pose one of the most serious threats to human health, attributed to factors such as the emergence of new pathogens, increasing drug resistance, changes in living environments and lifestyles, and the aging population. Despite rapid advancements in mechanistic research and drug development for these diseases, current treatments often have limited efficacy and notable side effects, necessitating the development of more effective and targeted anti-inflammatory therapies. In recent years, the rapid development of nanotechnology has provided crucial technological support for the prevention, treatment, and detection of inflammation-associated diseases. Various types of nanoparticles (NPs) play significant roles, serving as vaccine vehicles to enhance immunogenicity and as drug carriers to improve targeting and bioavailability. NPs can also directly combat pathogens and inflammation. In addition, nanotechnology has facilitated the development of biosensors for pathogen detection and imaging techniques for inflammatory diseases. This review categorizes and characterizes different types of NPs, summarizes their applications in the prevention, treatment, and detection of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It also discusses the challenges associated with clinical translation in this field and explores the latest developments and prospects. In conclusion, nanotechnology opens up new possibilities for the comprehensive management of infectious and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaohan Guo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lixiang Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Na Xie
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guobo Shen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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8
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Li W, Wang C, Zhang Y, Lu Y. Lipid Nanocarrier-Based mRNA Therapy: Challenges and Promise for Clinical Transformation. Small 2024:e2310531. [PMID: 38287729 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia, messenger RNA (mRNA) technology has attracted heated attention. A specific, safe, and efficient mRNA delivery system is needed. Lipid nanocarriers have become attractive carriers for mRNA delivery due to their high delivery efficiency, few side effects, and easy modification to change their structures and functions. To achieve the desired biological effect, lipid nanocarriers must reach the designated location for effective drug delivery. Therefore, the effects of the composition of lipid nanocarriers on their key properties are briefly reviewed. In addition, the progress of smart drug delivery by changing the composition of lipid nanocarriers is summarized, and the importance of component design and structure is emphasized. Subsequently, this review summarizes the latest progress in lipid nanocarrier-based mRNA technology and provides corresponding strategies for its current challenges, putting forward valuable information for the future design of lipid nanocarriers and mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yifei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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9
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Chatterjee S, Kordbacheh R, Sin J. Extracellular Vesicles: A Novel Mode of Viral Propagation Exploited by Enveloped and Non-Enveloped Viruses. Microorganisms 2024; 12:274. [PMID: 38399678 PMCID: PMC10892846 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-enclosed structures that have gained much attention from researchers across varying scientific fields in the past few decades. Cells secrete diverse types of EVs into the extracellular milieu which include exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies. These EVs play a crucial role in facilitating intracellular communication via the transport of proteins, lipids, DNA, rRNA, and miRNAs. It is well known that a number of viruses hijack several cellular pathways involved in EV biogenesis to aid in their replication, assembly, and egress. On the other hand, EVs can also trigger host antiviral immune responses by carrying immunomodulatory molecules and viral antigens on their surface. Owing to this intricate relationship between EVs and viruses, intriguing studies have identified various EV-mediated viral infections and interrogated how EVs can alter overall viral spread and longevity. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the EV-virus relationship, and details various modes of EV-mediated viral spread in the context of clinically relevant enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jon Sin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, 1325 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA; (S.C.); (R.K.)
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10
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Gu J, Xu Z, Liu Q, Tang S, Zhang W, Xie S, Chen X, Chen J, Yong KT, Yang C, Xu G. Building a Better Silver Bullet: Current Status and Perspectives of Non-Viral Vectors for mRNA Vaccines. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302409. [PMID: 37964681 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have exhibited great potential to replace conventional vaccines owing to their low risk of insertional mutagenesis, safety and efficacy, rapid and scalable production, and low-cost manufacturing. With the great achievements of chemical modification and sequence optimization methods of mRNA, the key to the success of mRNA vaccines is strictly dependent on safe and efficient gene vectors. Among various delivery platforms, non-viral mRNA vectors could represent perfect choices for future clinical translation regarding their safety, sufficient packaging capability, low immunogenicity, and versatility. In this review, the recent progress in the development of non-viral mRNA vectors is focused on. Various organic vectors including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymers, peptides, and exosomes for efficient mRNA delivery are presented and summarized. Furthermore, the latest advances in clinical trials of mRNA vaccines are described. Finally, the current challenges and future possibilities for the clinical translation of these promising mRNA vectors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan, University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhourui Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Qiqi Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Shiqi Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Wenguang Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Shouxia Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan, University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, China
- Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Jiajie Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Ken-Tye Yong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Chengbin Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Gaixia Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
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11
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Tian J, Han Z, Song D, Peng Y, Xiong M, Chen Z, Duan S, Zhang L. Engineered Exosome for Drug Delivery: Recent Development and Clinical Applications. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:7923-7940. [PMID: 38152837 PMCID: PMC10752020 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s444582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are nano-sized membrane vesicles that transfer bioactive molecules between cells and modulate various biological processes under physiological and pathological conditions. By applying bioengineering technologies, exosomes can be modified to express specific markers or carry therapeutic cargo and emerge as novel platforms for the treatment of cancer, neurological, cardiovascular, immune, and infectious diseases. However, there are many challenges and uncertainties in the clinical translation of exosomes. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent advances and challenges in the translation of engineered exosomes, with a special focus on the methods and strategies for loading drugs into exosomes, the pros and cons of different loading methods, and the optimization of exosome production based on the drugs to be encapsulated. Moreover, we also summarize the current clinical applications and prospects of engineered exosomes, as well as the potential risks and limitations that need to be addressed in exosome engineering, including the standardization of exosome preparation and engineering protocols, the quality and quantity of exosomes, the control of drug release, and the immunogenicity and cytotoxicity of exosomes. Overall, engineered exosomes represent an exciting frontier in nanomedicine, but they still face challenges in large-scale production, the maintenance of storage stability, and clinical translation. With continuous advances in this field, exosome-based drug formulation could offer great promise for the targeted treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Tian
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengpu Han
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dandan Song
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Peng
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Xiong
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Chen
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuyin Duan
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
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12
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Zhang Y, Luo J, Gui X, Zheng Y, Schaar E, Liu G, Shi J. Bioengineered nanotechnology for nucleic acid delivery. J Control Release 2023; 364:124-141. [PMID: 37879440 PMCID: PMC10838211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for treating various diseases, such as genetic disorders, cancers, and viral infections. Diverse nucleic acid delivery systems have been reported, and some, including lipid nanoparticles, have exhibited clinical success. In parallel, bioengineered nucleic acid delivery nanocarriers have also gained significant attention due to their flexible functional design and excellent biocompatibility. In this review, we summarize recent advances in bioengineered nucleic acid delivery nanocarriers, focusing on exosomes, cell membrane-derived nanovesicles, protein nanocages, and virus-like particles. We highlight their unique features, advantages for nucleic acid delivery, and biomedical applications. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges that bioengineered nanocarriers face towards clinical translation and the possible avenues for their further development. This review ultimately underlines the potential of bioengineered nanotechnology for the advancement of nucleic acid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xiran Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yating Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Eric Schaar
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Jinjun Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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13
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Ellis RJ, Marquine MJ, Kaul M, Fields JA, Schlachetzki JCM. Mechanisms underlying HIV-associated cognitive impairment and emerging therapies for its management. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:668-687. [PMID: 37816937 PMCID: PMC11052664 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00879-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
People living with HIV are affected by the chronic consequences of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) despite antiretroviral therapies that suppress viral replication, improve health and extend life. Furthermore, viral suppression does not eliminate the virus, and remaining infected cells may continue to produce viral proteins that trigger neurodegeneration. Comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus are likely to contribute substantially to CNS injury in people living with HIV, and some components of antiretroviral therapy exert undesirable side effects on the nervous system. No treatment for HIV-associated NCI has been approved by the European Medicines Agency or the US Food and Drug Administration. Historically, roadblocks to developing effective treatments have included a limited understanding of the pathophysiology of HIV-associated NCI and heterogeneity in its clinical manifestations. This heterogeneity might reflect multiple underlying causes that differ among individuals, rather than a single unifying neuropathogenesis. Despite these complexities, accelerating discoveries in HIV neuropathogenesis are yielding potentially druggable targets, including excessive immune activation, metabolic alterations culminating in mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of metal ion homeostasis and lysosomal function, and microbiome alterations. In addition to drug treatments, we also highlight the importance of non-pharmacological interventions. By revisiting mechanisms implicated in NCI and potential interventions addressing these mechanisms, we hope to supply reasons for optimism in people living with HIV affected by NCI and their care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J Ellis
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - María J Marquine
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Marcus Kaul
- School of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jerel Adam Fields
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Johannes C M Schlachetzki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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14
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Wang Y, Jiang M, Zheng X, He Y, Ma X, Li J, Pu K. Application of exosome engineering modification in targeted delivery of therapeutic drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115691. [PMID: 37481135 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in humans. Scientists have developed several therapeutic drugs for cancer treatment. However, drug delivery faces many problems. First, traditional drugs do not target tumors and are prone to causing significant toxic side effects. Second, suitable drug carriers are essential for improving drug delivery to tumors or circulating cancer cells. Exosomes are natural extracellular vesicles with low immunogenicity and prolonged blood circulation in vivo. These characteristics render exosomes ideal drug carriers. This review highlights the properties of exosomes and mechanisms of exosome biogenesis. It also summarizes the engineering modification methods for enhancing exosome yield, targeting, and drug-loading capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- Nano-Bio-Chem Centre and Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Min Jiang
- Nano-Bio-Chem Centre and Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xuewen Zheng
- Nano-Bio-Chem Centre and Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yiran He
- Nano-Bio-Chem Centre and Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiaochuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) & Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Jiong Li
- Nano-Bio-Chem Centre and Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Kefeng Pu
- Nano-Bio-Chem Centre and Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China.
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15
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Agborbesong E, Bissler J, Li X. Liquid Biopsy at the Frontier of Kidney Diseases: Application of Exosomes in Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1367. [PMID: 37510273 PMCID: PMC10379367 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In the era of precision medicine, liquid biopsy techniques, especially the use of urine analysis, represent a paradigm shift in the identification of biomarkers, with considerable implications for clinical practice in the field of nephrology. In kidney diseases, the use of this non-invasive tool to identify specific and sensitive biomarkers other than plasma creatinine and the glomerular filtration rate is becoming crucial for the diagnosis and assessment of a patient's condition. In recent years, studies have drawn attention to the importance of exosomes for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in kidney diseases. Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles with a lipid bilayer structure, composed of a variety of biologically active substances. In the context of kidney diseases, studies have demonstrated that exosomes are valuable carriers of information and are delivery vectors, rendering them appealing candidates as biomarkers and drug delivery vehicles with beneficial therapeutic outcomes for kidney diseases. This review summarizes the applications of exosomes in kidney diseases, emphasizing the current biomarkers of renal diseases identified from urinary exosomes and the therapeutic applications of exosomes with reference to drug delivery and immunomodulation. Finally, we discuss the challenges encountered when using exosomes for therapeutic purposes and how these may affect its clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewud Agborbesong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - John Bissler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
- Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
- Pediatric Medicine Department, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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16
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Cecchin R, Troyer Z, Witwer K, Morris KV. Extracellular vesicles: The next generation in gene therapy delivery. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1225-1230. [PMID: 36698310 PMCID: PMC10188631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are esteemed as a promising delivery vehicle for various genetic therapeutics. They are relatively inert, non-immunogenic, biodegradable, and biocompatible. At least in rodents, they can even transit challenging bodily hurdles such as the blood-brain barrier. Constitutively shed by all cells and with the potential to interact specifically with neighboring and distant targets, EVs can be engineered to carry and deliver therapeutic molecules such as proteins and RNAs. EVs are thus emerging as an elegant in vivo gene therapy vector. Deeper understanding of basic EV biology-including cellular production, EV loading, systemic distribution, and cell delivery-is still needed for effective harnessing of these endogenous cellular nanoparticles as next-generation nanodelivery tools. However, even a perfect EV product will be challenging to produce at clinical scale. In this regard, we propose that vector transduction technologies can be used to convert cells either ex vivo or directly in vivo into EV factories for stable, safe modulation of gene expression and function. Here, we extrapolate from the current EV state of the art to a bright potential future using EVs to treat genetic diseases that are refractory to current therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Cecchin
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Zach Troyer
- Departments of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology and Neurology, and Richman Family Precision Medicine Center of Excellence in Alzheimer's Disease, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ken Witwer
- Departments of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology and Neurology, and Richman Family Precision Medicine Center of Excellence in Alzheimer's Disease, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Kevin V Morris
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia.
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17
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Man K, Brunet MY, Lees R, Peacock B, Cox SC. Epigenetic Reprogramming via Synergistic Hypomethylation and Hypoxia Enhances the Therapeutic Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Extracellular Vesicles for Bone Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087564. [PMID: 37108726 PMCID: PMC10142722 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell population for regenerative medicine applications, where paracrine signalling through the extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulates bone tissue homeostasis and development. MSCs are known to reside in low oxygen tension, which promotes osteogenic differentiation via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α activation. Epigenetic reprogramming has emerged as a promising bioengineering strategy to enhance MSC differentiation. Particularly, the process of hypomethylation may enhance osteogenesis through gene activation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of inducing hypomethylation and hypoxia on improving the therapeutic efficacy of EVs derived from human bone marrow MSCs (hBMSCs). The effects of the hypoxia mimetic agent deferoxamine (DFO) and the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (AZT) on hBMSC viability was assessed by quantifying the DNA content. The epigenetic functionality was evaluated by assessing histone acetylation and histone methylation. hBMSC mineralisation was determined by quantifying alkaline phosphate activity, collagen production and calcium deposition. EVs were procured from AZT, DFO or AZT/DFO-treated hBMSCs over a two-week period, with EV size and concentration defined using transmission electron microscopy, nanoflow cytometry and dynamic light scattering. The effects of AZT-EVs, DFO-EVs or AZT/DFO-EVs on the epigenetic functionality and mineralisation of hBMSCs were evaluated. Moreover, the effects of hBMSC-EVs on human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) angiogenesis was assessed by quantifying pro-angiogenic cytokine release. DFO and AZT caused a time-dose dependent reduction in hBMSC viability. Pre-treatment with AZT, DFO or AZT/DFO augmented the epigenetic functionality of the MSCs through increases in histone acetylation and hypomethylation. AZT, DFO and AZT/DFO pre-treatment significantly enhanced extracellular matrix collagen production and mineralisation in hBMSCs. EVs derived from AZT/DFO-preconditioned hBMSCs (AZT/DFO-EVs) enhanced the hBMSC proliferation, histone acetylation and hypomethylation when compared to EVs derived from AZT-treated, DFO-treated and untreated hBMSCs. Importantly, AZT/DFO-EVs significantly increased osteogenic differentiation and mineralisation of a secondary hBMSC population. Furthermore, AZT/DFO-EVs enhanced the pro-angiogenic cytokine release of HUVECs. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the considerable utility of synergistically inducing hypomethylation and hypoxia to improve the therapeutic efficacy of the MSC-EVs as a cell-free approach for bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Man
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Mathieu Y Brunet
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | | | | | - Sophie C Cox
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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18
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Erwin N, Serafim MF, He M. Enhancing the Cellular Production of Extracellular Vesicles for Developing Therapeutic Applications. Pharm Res 2023; 40:833-853. [PMID: 36319886 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03420-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have various advantageous properties, including a small size, high biocompatibility, efficient cargo loading, and precise cell targeting ability, making them promising tools for therapeutic development. EVs have been increasingly explored for applications like drug delivery. However, due to limited cellular secretion rates of EVs, wide-scale clinical applications are not achievable. Therefore, substantial strategies and research efforts have been devoted to increasing cellular secretion rates of EVs. This review describes various studies exploring different methods to increase the cellular production of EVs, including the application of electrical stimulus, pharmacologic agents, electromagnetic waves, sound waves, shear stress, cell starvation, alcohol, pH, heat, and genetic manipulation. These methods have shown success in increasing EV production, but careful consideration must be given as many of these strategies may alter EV properties and functionalities, and the exact mechanisms causing the increase in cellular production of EVs is generally unknown. Additionally, the methods' effectiveness in increasing EV secretion may diverge with different cell lines and conditions. Further advancements to enhance EV biogenesis secretion for therapeutic development is still a significant need in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Erwin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA
| | - Maria Fernanda Serafim
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA
| | - Mei He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA.
- UF Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, 2033 Mowry Rd, Lab: 0475G, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA.
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19
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Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a new and efficient agent for the treatment of various diseases. The success of lipid nanoparticle-mRNA against the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia epidemic has proved the clinical potential of nanoparticle-mRNA formulations. However, the deficiency in the effective biological distribution, high transfection efficiency and good biosafety are still the major challenges in clinical translation of nanomedicine for mRNA delivery. To date, a variety of promising nanoparticles have been constructed and then gradually optimized to facilitate the effective biodistribution of carriers and efficient mRNA delivery. In this review, we describe the design of nanoparticles with an emphasis on lipid nanoparticles, and discuss the manipulation strategies for nanoparticle-biology (nano-bio) interactions for mRNA delivery to overcome the biological barriers and improve the delivery efficiency, because the specific nano-bio interaction of nanoparticles usually remoulds the biomedical and physiological properties of the nanoparticles especially the biodistribution, mechanism of cellular internalization and immune response. Finally, we give a perspective for the future applications of this promising technology. We believe that the regulation of nano-bio interactions would be a significant breakthrough to improve the mRNA delivery efficiency and cross biological barriers. This review may provide a new direction for the design of nanoparticle-mediated mRNA delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Li
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.,CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Xiaocui Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Mingdi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rong Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,The GBA National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, Guangzhou 510700, China
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20
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Scott TA, Soemardy C, Ray R, Morris K. Targeted zinc-finger repressors to the oncogenic HBZ gene inhibit adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) proliferation. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcac046. [PMID: 36644398 PMCID: PMC9832686 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcac046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) infects CD4+ T-cells resulting in a latent, life-long infection in patients. Crosstalk between oncogenic viral factors results in the transformation of the host cell into an aggressive cancer, adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). ATL has a poor prognosis with no currently available effective treatments, urging the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Recent evidence exploring those mechanisms contributing to ATL highlights the viral anti-sense gene HTLV-I bZIP factor (HBZ) as a tumor driver and a potential therapeutic target. In this work, a series of zinc-finger protein (ZFP) repressors were designed to target within the HTLV-I promoter that drives HBZ expression at highly conserved sites covering a wide range of HTLV-I genotypes. ZFPs were identified that potently suppressed HBZ expression and resulted in a significant reduction in the proliferation and viability of a patient-derived ATL cell line with the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These data encourage the development of this novel ZFP strategy as a targeted modality to inhibit the molecular driver of ATL, a possible next-generation therapeutic for aggressive HTLV-I associated malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan A Scott
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope – Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope. 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Citradewi Soemardy
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope – Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope. 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Roslyn M Ray
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope – Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope. 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Kevin V Morris
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus 4222, Australia
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21
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Andre M, Nair M, Raymond AD. HIV Latency and Nanomedicine Strategies for Anti-HIV Treatment and Eradication. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020617. [PMID: 36831153 PMCID: PMC9953021 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiretrovirals (ARVs) reduce Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) loads to undetectable levels in infected patients. However, HIV can persist throughout the body in cellular reservoirs partly due to the inability of some ARVs to cross anatomical barriers and the capacity of HIV-1 to establish latent infection in resting CD4+ T cells and monocytes/macrophages. A cure for HIV is not likely unless latency is addressed and delivery of ARVs to cellular reservoir sites is improved. Nanomedicine has been used in ARV formulations to improve delivery and efficacy. More specifically, researchers are exploring the benefit of using nanoparticles to improve ARVs and nanomedicine in HIV eradication strategies such as shock and kill, block and lock, and others. This review will focus on mechanisms of HIV-1 latency and nanomedicine-based approaches to treat HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickensone Andre
- Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Madhavan Nair
- Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Institute of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Andrea D. Raymond
- Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-305-348-6430
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22
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Gao J, Li A, Hu J, Feng L, Liu L, Shen Z. Recent developments in isolating methods for exosomes. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1100892. [PMID: 36714629 PMCID: PMC9879965 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1100892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are the smallest extracellular vesicles that can be released by practically all cell types, and range in size from 30 nm to 150 nm. As the major marker of liquid biopsies, exosomes have great potential for disease diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis. However, their inherent heterogeneity, the complexity of biological fluids, and the presence of nanoscale contaminants make the isolation of exosomes a great challenge. Traditional isolation methods of exosomes are cumbersome and challenging with complex and time-consuming operations. In recent years, the emergence of microfluidic chips, nanolithography, electro-deposition, and other technologies has promoted the combination and innovation of the isolation methods. The application of these methods has brought very considerable benefits to the isolation of exosomes such as ultra-fast, portable integration, and low loss. There are significant functional improvements in isolation yield, isolation purity, and clinical applications. In this review, a series of methods for the isolation of exosomes are summarized, with emphasis on the emerging methods, and in-depth comparison and analysis of each method are provided, including their principles, merits, and demerits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Liu Liu
- *Correspondence: Zuojun Shen, ; Liu Liu,
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23
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Sun D, Mou S, Chen L, Yang J, Wang R, Zhong A, Wang W, Tong J, Wang Z, Sun J. High yield engineered nanovesicles from ADSC with enriched miR-21-5p promote angiogenesis in adipose tissue regeneration. Biomater Res 2022; 26:83. [PMID: 36528594 PMCID: PMC9758932 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-022-00325-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have been found to have a great potential for soft tissue repair due to various biological functions, including pro-angiogenesis and low immunogenicity. However, the low yield and heterogeneity of MSC-EVs limited their clinical transformation. This study was designed to develop a novel adipose-derived stem cell engineered nanovesicles (ADSC-NVs) with high production and explore its pro-angiogenetic effect and application in adipose tissue regeneration. METHODS Adipose-derived stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (ADSC-EVs) were isolated from an EVs-free culture medium for human ADSCs (hADSCs). ADSC-NVs were prepared by sequentially extruding ADSCs followed by iodixanol density gradient ultracentrifugation and were compared with ADSC-EVs in morphology, size distribution, protein contents and yield. The pro-angiogenetic effect of ADSC-NVs in different doses (0, 5, 20 and 80 μg/mL) in vitro was determined using transwell assay, tube formation assay, western blot and qRT-PCR. In vivo, BALB/c nude mice were administered injection of a mixture of fat granules and different dose of ADSC-NVs and grafts were harvested at 12 weeks post-transplantation for further analysis. By analyzing the weight and volume of grafts and histological evaluation, we investigated the effect of ADSC-NVs in vessel formation and adipose tissue regeneration. RESULTS Our results showed yield of purified ADSC-NVs was approximately 20 times more than that of ADSC-EVs secreted by the same number of ADSCs. In vitro, both ADSC-NVs and ADSC-EVs exhibited a dose-dependent pro-angiogenetic effect, despite their distinct miRNA profiles. These effects of ADSC-NVs may be mediated by enriched miR-21-5p via PTEN inhibition and PI3K/p-Akt signaling activation. Furthermore, after a mixed injection of ADSC-NVs, vessel formation and adipose regeneration were observed in vivo in fat implants. CONCLUSIONS Our study developed a potent alternative of ADSC-EVs. ADSC-NVs have a high pro-angiogenesis potential and can be used as cell-free therapeutic biomaterials in soft tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Sun
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Superficial Organ Reconstruction, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Shan Mou
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Superficial Organ Reconstruction, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Lifeng Chen
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Superficial Organ Reconstruction, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Jie Yang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Superficial Organ Reconstruction, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Rongrong Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Superficial Organ Reconstruction, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Aimei Zhong
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Superficial Organ Reconstruction, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Wei Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Superficial Organ Reconstruction, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Jing Tong
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Superficial Organ Reconstruction, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Zhenxing Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Superficial Organ Reconstruction, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Jiaming Sun
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Superficial Organ Reconstruction, Wuhan, 430022 China
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Abstract
The clinical translation of messenger mRNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics requires safe and effective delivery systems. Although considerable progress has been made on the development of mRNA delivery systems, many challenges, such as the dose-limiting toxicity and specific delivery to extrahepatic tissues, still remain. Cell-derived vesicles, a type of endogenous membranous particle secreted from living cells, can be leveraged to load mRNA during or after their biogenesis. Currently, they have received increasing interest for mRNA delivery due to their natural origin, good biocompatibility, cell-specific tropism, and unique ability to cross physiological barriers. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in the naturally occurring mRNA delivery platforms and their biomedical applications. Furthermore, the future perspectives on clinical translation of cell-derived vesicles have been discussed.
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25
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Fraker S, Atkinson B, Heredia A. Humanized mouse models for preclinical evaluation of HIV cure strategies. AIDS Rev 2022; 24:139-151. [PMID: 35622983 PMCID: PMC9643647 DOI: 10.24875/aidsrev.22000013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although the world is currently focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, HIV/AIDS remains a significant threat to public health. To date, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has claimed the lives of over 36 million people, while nearly 38 million people are currently living with the virus. Despite the undeniable success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in controlling HIV, the medications are not curative. Soon after initial infection, HIV integrates into the genome of infected cells as a provirus, primarily, within CD4+ T lymphocytes and tissue macrophages. When not actively transcribed, the provirus is referred to as a latent reservoir because it is hidden to the immune system and ART. Following ART discontinuation, HIV may emerge from the replication-competent proviruses and resumes the infection of healthy cells. Thus, these latent reservoirs are a major obstacle to an HIV cure, and their removal remains a priority. A vital aspect in the development of curative therapies is the demonstration of efficacy in an animal model, such as the humanized mouse model. Therefore, optimization, standardization, and validation of the humanized mouse model are a priority. The purpose of this review article is to provide an update on existing humanized mouse models, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each as they pertain to HIV cure studies and to review the approaches to curative therapies that are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Fraker
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Benjamin Atkinson
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Alonso Heredia
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
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26
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Zhang Z, Long J, Meng L, Yang Z, Zhang S, Zhang L. Immune cells-derived exosomes: A promising strategy for COVID-19 treatment. Clin Transl Discov 2022; 2:e138. [PMID: 36712172 PMCID: PMC9874742 DOI: 10.1002/ctd2.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zichen Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of PhysicsXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Jiangang Long
- School of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Lingjie Meng
- School of ChemistryXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina,Instrumental Analysis CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Zhiwei Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of PhysicsXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina,School of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Shengli Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of PhysicsXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Lei Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of PhysicsXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
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27
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Urrata V, Trapani M, Franza M, Moschella F, Di Stefano AB, Toia F. Analysis of MSCs' secretome and EVs cargo: Evaluation of functions and applications. Life Sci 2022; 308:120990. [PMID: 36155182 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Urrata
- BIOPLAST-Laboratory of BIOlogy and Regenerative Medicine-PLASTic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Trapani
- BIOPLAST-Laboratory of BIOlogy and Regenerative Medicine-PLASTic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "Paolo Giaccone", 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mara Franza
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "Paolo Giaccone", 90127 Palermo, Italy; Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Moschella
- BIOPLAST-Laboratory of BIOlogy and Regenerative Medicine-PLASTic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Barbara Di Stefano
- BIOPLAST-Laboratory of BIOlogy and Regenerative Medicine-PLASTic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Francesca Toia
- BIOPLAST-Laboratory of BIOlogy and Regenerative Medicine-PLASTic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "Paolo Giaccone", 90127 Palermo, Italy; Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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28
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Alahdal M, Elkord E. Promising use of immune cell-derived exosomes in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e1026. [PMID: 35988156 PMCID: PMC9393056 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is persistently threatening the lives of thousands of individuals globally. It triggers pulmonary oedema, driving to dyspnoea and lung failure. Viral infectivity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a genuine challenge due to the mutagenic genome and mysterious immune-pathophysiology. Early reports highlighted that extracellular vesicles (exosomes, Exos) work to enhance COVID-19 progression by mediating viral transmission, replication and mutations. Furthermore, recent studies revealed that Exos derived from immune cells play an essential role in the promotion of immune cell exhaustion by transferring regulatory lncRNAs and miRNAs from exhausted cells to the active cells. Fortunately, there are great chances to modulate the immune functions of Exos towards a sustained repression of COVID-19. Engineered Exos hold promising immunotherapeutic opportunities for remodelling cytotoxic T cells' function. Immune cell-derived Exos may trigger a stable epigenetic repression of viral infectivity, restore functional cytokine-producing T cells and rebalance immune response in severe infections by inducing functional T regulatory cells (Tregs). This review introduces a view on the current outcomes of immunopathology, and immunotherapeutic applications of immune cell-derived Exos in COVID-19, besides new perspectives to develop novel patterns of engineered Exos triggering novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murad Alahdal
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman.,Biomedical Research Center, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
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29
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Morris KV, Witwer KW. The evolving paradigm of extracellular vesicles in intercellular signaling and delivery of therapeutic RNAs. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2393-2394. [PMID: 35643080 PMCID: PMC9263283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin V. Morris
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, 4222, Australia,Corresponding author: Kevin V. Morris, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, 4222, Australia.
| | - Kenneth W. Witwer
- Departments of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology and Neurology, and Richman Family Precision Medicine Center of Excellence in Alzheimer’s Disease, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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30
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Yenuganti VR, Afroz S, Khan RA, Bharadwaj C, Nabariya DK, Nayak N, Subbiah M, Chintala K, Banerjee S, Reddanna P, Khan N. Milk exosomes elicit a potent anti-viral activity against dengue virus. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:317. [PMID: 35794557 PMCID: PMC9258094 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01496-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles secreted by various cells into the intra and extracellular space and hence is an integral part of biological fluids including milk. In the last few decades, many research groups have proved the potential of milk exosomes as a sustainable, economical and non-immunogenic drug delivery and therapeutic agent against different pathological conditions. However, its anti-viral properties still remain to be unearthed. Methods Here, we have been able to isolate, purify and characterize the milk derived exosomes from Cow (CME) and Goat (GME) and further studied its antiviral properties against Dengue virus (DENV), Newcastle Disease Virus strain Komarov (NDV-K) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) using an in-vitro infection system. Results TEM, NTA and DLS analysis validated the appropriate size of the isolated cow and goat milk exosomes (30–150 nm). Real-time PCR and immunoblotting results confirmed the presence of several milk exosomal miRNAs and protein markers. Our findings suggest that GME significantly decreased the infectivity of DENV. In addition, we confirmed that GME significantly reduces DENV replication and reduced the secretion of mature virions. Furthermore, heat inactivation of GME did not show any inhibition on DENV infection, replication, and secretion of mature virions. RNase treatment of GME abrogates the anti-viral properties indicating direct role of exosomes in DENV inhibition. In addition GME inhibited the infectivity of NDV-K, but not HIV-1, suggesting that the GME mediated antiviral activity might be virus specific. Conclusion This study demonstrates the anti-viral properties of milk exosomes and opens new avenues for the development of exosome-based therapies to treat viral diseases. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01496-5.
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Abstract
Defective HIV-1 proviruses represent a population of viral genomes that are selected for by immune pressures, and clonally expanded to dominate the persistent HIV-1 proviral genome landscape. There are examples of RNA and protein expression from these compromised genomes which are generated by a variety of mechanisms. Despite the evidence that these proviruses are transcribed and translated, their role in HIV pathogenesis has not been fully explored. The potential for these genomes to participate in immune stimulation is particularly relevant considering the accumulation of cells harboring these defective proviruses over the course of antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV. The expression of defective proviruses in different cells and tissues could drive innate sensing mechanisms and inflammation. They may also alter antiviral T cell responses and myeloid cell functions that directly contribute to HIV-1 associated chronic comorbidities. Understanding the impact of these defective proviruses needs to be considered as we advance cure strategies that focus on targeting the diverse population of HIV-1 proviral genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Kuniholm
- Department of Microbiology, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02116, USA
| | - Carolyn Coote
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02116, USA
| | - Andrew J Henderson
- Department of Microbiology, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02116, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02116, USA.
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32
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Zhang Y, Liu Q, Zhang X, Huang H, Tang S, Chai Y, Xu Z, Li M, Chen X, Liu J, Yang C. Recent advances in exosome-mediated nucleic acid delivery for cancer therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:279. [PMID: 35701788 PMCID: PMC9194774 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01472-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading public health problem worldwide. Its treatment remains a daunting challenge, although significant progress has been made in existing treatments in recent years. A large concern is the poor therapeutic effect due to lack of specificity and low bioavailability. Gene therapy has recently emerged as a powerful tool for cancer therapy. However, delivery methods limit its therapeutic effects. Exosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles secreted by most cells, have the characteristics of good biocompatibility, low toxicity and immunogenicity, and great designability. In the past decades, as therapeutic carriers and diagnostic markers, they have caught extensive attention. This review introduced the characteristics of exosomes, and focused on their applications as delivery carriers in DNA, messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and other nucleic acids. Meanwhile, their application in cancer therapy and exosome-based clinical trials were presented and discussed. Through systematic summarization and analysis, the recent advances and current challenges of exosome-mediated nucleic acid delivery for cancer therapy are introduced, which will provide a theoretical basis for the development of nucleic acid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen & The Second Affiliated Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Qiqi Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xinmeng Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Haoqiang Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Shiqi Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yujuan Chai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhourui Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Meirong Li
- Central Laboratory of Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen & The Second Affiliated Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Central Laboratory of Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen & The Second Affiliated Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China.
| | - Chengbin Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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Gao H, Zhang L, Wang Z, Yan K, Zhao L, Xiao W. Research Progress on Transorgan Regulation of the Cardiovascular and Motor System through Cardiogenic Exosomes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105765. [PMID: 35628575 PMCID: PMC9146752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The heart is the core organ of the circulatory system. Through the blood circulation system, it has close contact with all tissues and cells in the body. An exosome is an extracellular vesicle enclosed by a phospholipid bilayer. A variety of heart tissue cells can secrete and release exosomes, which transfer RNAs, lipids, proteins, and other biomolecules to adjacent or remote cells, mediate intercellular communication, and regulate the physiological and pathological activities of target cells. Cardiogenic exosomes play an important role in regulating almost all pathological and physiological processes of the heart. In addition, they can also reach distant tissues and organs through the peripheral circulation, exerting profound influence on their functional status. In this paper, the composition and function of cardiogenic exosomes, the factors affecting cardiogenic exosomes and their roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology are discussed, and the close relationship between cardiovascular system and motor system is innovatively explored from the perspective of exosomes. This study provides a reference for the development and application of exosomes in regenerative medicine and sports health, and also provides a new idea for revealing the close relationship between the heart and other organ systems.
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34
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Kim DH, Kim JH, Kim DH, Jo J, Byun S. Functional foods with antiviral activity. Food Sci Biotechnol. [PMID: 35437360 PMCID: PMC9007579 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-022-01073-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are known to cause a variety of diseases, ranging from mild respiratory diseases, such as the common cold, to fatal illnesses. Although the development of vaccines and targeted drugs have significantly improved the mortality rate and disease severity against a number of viral infections, there are still many viruses without proper treatment/prevention options and newly emerging viruses can pose serious health threats. For instance, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is producing significant healthcare and socio-economic burden worldwide, which may jeopardize the lives and livelihoods for years to come. Studies have identified functional foods with antiviral activity. Certain foods may target the viral life cycle or modulate the host immune system to enhance defense against viral infections. In this review, we will discuss some of the food products reported to display protective effects against viruses including the influenza virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
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35
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Wang L, Wang Z, Cao L, Ge K. Constructive strategies for drug delivery systems in antivirus disease therapy by safety materials. Biosafety and Health 2022; 4:161-170. [PMID: 35291339 PMCID: PMC8912974 DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Hebei Province, College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Zhaoshuo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Hebei Province, College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Lingzhi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Hebei Province, College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Kun Ge
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Hebei Province, College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
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36
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Abstract
With approximately 38 million people living with HIV/AIDS globally, and a further 1.5 million new global infections per year, it is imperative that we advance our understanding of all factors contributing to HIV infection. While most studies have focused on the influence of host genetic factors on HIV pathogenesis, epigenetic factors are gaining attention. Epigenetics involves alterations in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic mechanism that influences both viral and host factors. This review has five focal points, which examines (i) fluctuations in the expression of methylation modifying factors upon HIV infection (ii) the effect of DNA methylation on HIV viral genes and (iii) host genome (iv) inferences from other infectious and non-communicable diseases, we provide a list of HIV-associated host genes that are regulated by methylation in other disease models (v) the potential of DNA methylation as an epi-therapeutic strategy and biomarker. DNA methylation has also been shown to serve as a robust therapeutic strategy and precision medicine biomarker against diseases such as cancer and autoimmune conditions. Despite new drugs being discovered for HIV, drug resistance is a problem in high disease burden settings such as Sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, genetic therapies that are under investigation are irreversible and may have off target effects. Alternative therapies that are nongenetic are essential. In this review, we discuss the potential role of DNA methylation as a novel therapeutic intervention against HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilona Arumugam
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Upasana Ramphal
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Theolan Adimulam
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Romona Chinniah
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Veron Ramsuran
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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