Near-infrared optical proteolytic beacons for in vivo imaging of matrix metalloproteinase activity

A tumor-specific pro-IL-12 activates preexisting cytotoxic T cells to control established tumors

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Optical Detection of Distal Lung Enzyme Activity in Human Inflammatory Lung Disease

Objective and Impact Statement. There is a need to develop platforms delineating inflammatory biology of the distal human lung. We describe a platform technology approach to detect in situ enzyme activity and observe drug inhibition in the distal human lung using a combination of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) optical reporters, fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy (FCFM), and a bespoke delivery device. Introduction. The development of new therapeutic agents is hindered by the lack of in vivo in situ experimental methodologies that can rapidly evaluate the biological activity or drug-target engagement in patients. Methods. We optimised a novel highly quenched optical molecular reporter of enzyme activity (FIB One) and developed a translational pathway for in-human assessment. Results. We demonstrate the specificity for matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) 2, 9, and 13 and probe dequenching within physiological levels of MMPs and feasibility of imaging within whole lung models in preclinical settings. Subsequently, in a first-in-human exploratory experimental medicine study of patients with fibroproliferative lung disease, we demonstrate, through FCFM, the MMP activity in the alveolar space measured through FIB One fluorescence increase (with pharmacological inhibition). Conclusion. This translational in situ approach enables a new methodology to demonstrate active drug target effects of the distal lung and consequently may inform therapeutic drug development pathways.

Development of an Interleukin-12 Fusion Protein That Is Activated by Cleavage with Matrix Metalloproteinase 9

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a pleiotropic cytokine that has profound effects on many aspects of cell-mediated responses and can enhance antitumor responses in experimental models. IL-12 has been tested clinically, however, side-effects have limited its use. We are developing an attenuated form of IL-12 whose biological activity could be restricted to sites of tumors by taking advantage of overexpressed tumor proteases that can activate the cytokine. We constructed a panel of fusion proteins (FPs) consisting of IL-12 joined to a specific inhibitor connected by a protease cleavage sequence (cs). We first identified a panel of single-chain Fragment variable (scFv) that bind to 3 independent epitopes on IL-12 and then incorporated them into separate IL-12 FPs containing either a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) cs or a scrambled (scram) control cs. The intact IL-12 FPs showed attenuation in IL-12 activity compared to free IL-12 in 2 separate in vitro functional assays; proliferation of CTLL-2 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) induction by spleen cells. Furthermore, the FP containing the MMPcs showed an increase in biological activity of IL-12 in vitro when cleaved by MMP9. This FP strategy could be applied to other immunomodulators and potentially reduce unwanted side-effects observed with systemic delivery thus improving cytokine immunotherapy strategies.

Development of mannose functionalized dendrimeric nanoparticles for targeted delivery to macrophages: use of this platform to modulate atherosclerosis

Dysfunctional macrophages underlie the development of several diseases including atherosclerosis where accumulation of cholesteryl esters and persistent inflammation are 2 of the critical macrophage processes that regulate the progression as well as stability of atherosclerotic plaques. Ligand-dependent activation of liver-x-receptor (LXR) not only enhances mobilization of stored cholesteryl ester but also exerts anti-inflammatory effects mediated via trans-repression of proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B. However, increased hepatic lipogenesis by systemic administration of LXR ligands (LXR-L) has precluded their therapeutic use. The objective of the present study was to devise a strategy to selectively deliver LXR-L to atherosclerotic plaque-associated macrophages while limiting hepatic uptake. Mannose-functionalized dendrimeric nanoparticles (mDNP) were synthesized to facilitate active uptake via the mannose receptor expressed exclusively by macrophages using polyamidoamine dendrimer. Terminal amine groups were used to conjugate mannose and LXR-L T091317 via polyethylene glycol spacers. mDNP-LXR-L was effectively taken up by macrophages (and not by hepatocytes), increased expression of LXR target genes (ABCA1/ABCG1), and enhanced cholesterol efflux. When administered intravenously to LDLR-/- mice with established plaques, significant accumulation of fluorescently labeled mDNP-LXR-L was seen in atherosclerotic plaque-associated macrophages. Four weekly injections of mDNP-LXR-L led to significant reduction in atherosclerotic plaque progression, plaque necrosis, and plaque inflammation as assessed by expression of nuclear factor kappa B target gene matrix metalloproteinase 9; no increase in hepatic lipogenic genes or plasma lipids was observed. These studies validate the development of a macrophage-specific delivery platform for the delivery of anti-atherosclerotic agents directly to the plaque-associated macrophages to attenuate plaque burden.

2-Photon Characterization of Optical Proteolytic Beacons for Imaging Changes in Matrix-Metalloprotease Activity in a Mouse Model of Aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a multifactorial disease that is a leading cause of death in developed countries. Matrix-metalloproteases (MMPs) are part of the disease process, however, assessing their role in disease initiation and progression has been difficult and animal models have become essential. Combining Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) proteolytic beacons activated in the presence of MMPs with 2-photon microscopy allows for a novel method of evaluating MMP activity within the extracellular matrix (ECM). Single and 2-photon spectra for proteolytic beacons were determined in vitro. Ex vivo experiments using the apolipoprotein E knockout angiotensin II-infused mouse model of aneurysm imaged ECM architecture simultaneously with the MMP-activated FRET beacons. 2-photon spectra of the two-color proteolytic beacons showed peaks for the individual fluorophores that enable imaging of MMP activity through proteolytic cleavage. Ex vivo imaging of the beacons within the ECM revealed both microstructure and MMP activity. 2-photon imaging of the beacons in aneurysmal tissue showed an increase in proteolytic cleavage within the ECM (p<0.001), thus indicating an increase in MMP activity. Our data suggest that FRET-based proteolytic beacons show promise in assessing MMP activity within the ECM and will therefore allow future studies to identify the heterogeneous distribution of simultaneous ECM remodeling and protease activity in aneurysmal disease.

New tools for the quantitative assessment of prodrug delivery and neurotoxicity

Systemic off-target toxicities, including neurotoxicity, are prevalent side effects in cancer patients treated with a number of otherwise highly efficacious anticancer drugs. In the current study, we have: (1) developed a new analytical metric for the in vivo preclinical assessment of systemic toxicities/neurotoxicity of new drugs and delivery systems; and (2) evaluated, in mice, the in vivo efficacy and toxicity of a versatile and modular NanoDendron (ND) drug delivery and imaging platform that we recently developed. Our paclitaxel-carrying ND prodrug, ND(PXL), is activated following proteolytic cleavage by MMP9, resulting in localized cytotoxic chemotherapy. Using click chemistry, we combined ND(PXL) with a traceable beacon, ND(PB), yielding ND(PXL)-ND(PB) that functions as a theranostic compound. In vivo fluorescence FRET imaging of this theranostic platform was used to confirm localized delivery to tumors and to assess the efficiency of drug delivery to tumors, achieving 25-30% activation in the tumors of an immunocompetent mouse model of breast cancer. In this model, ND-drug exhibited anti-tumor efficacy comparable to nab-paclitaxel, a clinical formulation. In addition, we combined neurobehavioral metrics of nociception and sensorimotor performance of individual mice to develop a novel composite toxicity score that reveals and quantifies peripheral neurotoxicity, a debilitating long-term systemic toxicity of paclitaxel therapy. Importantly, mice treated with nab-paclitaxel developed changes in behavioral metrics with significantly higher toxicity scores indicative of peripheral neuropathy, while mice treated with ND(PXL) showed no significant changes in behavioral responses or toxicity score. Our ND formulation was designed to be readily adaptable to incorporate different drugs, imaging modalities and/or targeting motifs. This formulation has significant potential for preclinical and clinical tools across multiple disease states. The studies presented here report a novel toxicity score for assessing peripheral neuropathy and demonstrate that our targeted, theranostic NDs are safe and effective, providing localized tumor delivery of a chemotherapeutic and with reduced common neurotoxic side-effects.

New radiotracers for imaging of vascular targets in angiogenesis-related diseases

Tremendous advances over the last several decades in positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) allow for targeted imaging of molecular and cellular events in the living systems. Angiogenesis, a multistep process regulated by the network of different angiogenic factors, has attracted world-wide interests, due to its pivotal role in the formation and progression of different diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and inflammation. In this review article, we will summarize the recent progress in PET or SPECT imaging of a wide variety of vascular targets in three major angiogenesis-related diseases: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation. Faster drug development and patient stratification for a specific therapy will become possible with the facilitation of PET or SPECT imaging and it will be critical for the maximum benefit of patients.

Multiple dye-doped NIR-emitting silica nanoparticles for both flow cytometry and in vivo imaging

Dye-doped near infrared-emitting silica nanoparticles (DD-NIRsiNPs) represent a valuable tool in bioimaging, because they provide sufficient brightness, resistance to photobleaching and consist of hydrophilic non-toxic materials.

Synthesis and in vitro efficacy of MMP9-activated NanoDendrons

Chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PXL) have dose-limiting systemic toxicities, including cardiotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy. Delivery strategies to minimize these undesirable effects are needed and could improve efficacy, while reducing patient morbidity. Here, DOX and PXL were conjugated to a nanodendron (ND) through an MMP9-cleavable peptide linker, producing two new therapies, ND2(DOX) and ND2(PXL), designed to improve delivery specificity to the tumor microenvironment and reduce systemic toxicity. Comparative cytotoxicity assays were performed between intact ND-drug conjugates and the MMP9 released drug in cell lines with and without MMP9 expression. While ND2(DOX) was found to lose cytotoxicity due to the modification of DOX for conjugation to the ND; ND2(PXL) was determined to have the desired properties for a prodrug delivery system. ND2(PXL) was found to be cytotoxic in MMP9-expressing mouse mammary carcinoma (R221A-luc) (53%) and human breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231) (66%) at a concentration of 50 nM (in PXL) after 48 h. Treating ND2(PXL) with MMP9 prior to the cytotoxicity assay resulted in a faster response; however, both cleaved and intact versions of the drug reached the same efficacy as the unmodified drug by 96 h in the R221A-luc and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Further studies in modified Lewis lung carcinoma cells that either do (LLC(MMP9)) or do not (LLC(RSV)) express MMP9 demonstrate the selectivity of ND2(PXL) for MMP9. LLC(MMP9) cells were only 20% viable after 48 h of treatment, while LLC(RSV) were not affected. Inclusion of an MMP inhibitor, GM6001, when treating the LLC(MMP9) cells with ND2(PXL) eliminated the response of the MMP9 expressing cells (LLC(MMP9)). The data presented here suggests that these NDs, specifically ND2(PXL), are nontoxic until activated by MMP9, a protease common in the microenvironment of tumors, indicating that incorporation of chemotherapeutic or cytostatic agents onto the ND platform have potential for tumor-targeted efficacy with reduced in vivo systemic toxicities.

Molecular imaging of retinal disease

Imaging of the eye plays an important role in ocular therapeutic discovery and evaluation in preclinical models and patients. Advances in ophthalmic imaging instrumentation have enabled visualization of the retina at an unprecedented resolution. These developments have contributed toward early detection of the disease, monitoring of disease progression, and assessment of the therapeutic response. These powerful technologies are being further harnessed for clinical applications by configuring instrumentation to detect disease biomarkers in the retina. These biomarkers can be detected either by measuring the intrinsic imaging contrast in tissue, or by the engineering of targeted injectable contrast agents for imaging of the retina at the cellular and molecular level. Such approaches have promise in providing a window on dynamic disease processes in the retina such as inflammation and apoptosis, enabling translation of biomarkers identified in preclinical and clinical studies into useful diagnostic targets. We discuss recently reported and emerging imaging strategies for visualizing diverse cell types and molecular mediators of the retina in vivo during health and disease, and the potential for clinical translation of these approaches.

MRI of metastasis-permissive microenvironments

One of the earliest documented observations of the importance of the microenvironment in metastasis was made by Stephen Paget in 1889. More than a century later, the metastatic cascade remains a major cause of mortality from cancer. Cancer meets the criterion of a successful organization that is able to survive by adapting to changing environments. In fact, the tumor microenvironment and stroma are co-opted and shaped by cancer cells to derive a survival advantage. Cohesive strategies integrating advances in molecular biology and chemistry, with noninvasive multimodality imaging, provide new insights into the role of the tumor microenvironment in promoting metastasis from primary tumors as well as insights into environments that attract and permit cancer cells to establish colonies in distant organs. This article provides an overview of molecular and functional imaging characterization of microenvironments that can promote or permit cancer cells to metastasize and the microenvironmental characteristics of distant metastases.

3D/4D functional imaging of tumor-associated proteolysis: impact of microenvironment

Proteases play causal roles in many aspects of the aggressive phenotype of tumors, yet many of the implicated proteases originate from tumor-associated cells or from responses of tumor cells to interactions with other cells. Therefore, to obtain a comprehensive view of tumor proteases, we need to be able to assess proteolysis in tumors that are interacting with their microenvironment. As this is difficult to do in vivo, we have developed functional live-cell optical imaging assays and 3D and 4D (i.e., 3D over time) coculture models. We present here a description of the probes used to measure proteolysis and protease activities, the methods used for imaging and analysis of proteolysis and the 3D and 4D models used in our laboratory. Of course, all assays have limitations; however, we suggest that the techniques discussed here will, with attention to their limitations, be useful as a screen for drugs to target the invasive phenotype of tumors.

Emerging applications of nanotechnology for the diagnosis and management of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques

An estimated 16 million people in the United States have coronary artery disease (CAD), and approximately 325,000 people die annually from cardiac arrest. About two-thirds of unexpected cardiac deaths occur without prior recognition of cardiac disease. A vast majority of these deaths are attributable to the rupture of 'vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques'. Clinically, plaque vulnerability is typically assessed through imaging techniques, and ruptured plaques leading to acute myocardial infarction are treated through angioplasty or stenting. Despite significant advances, it is clear that current imaging methods are insufficiently capable for elucidating plaque composition--which is a key determinant of vulnerability. Further, the exciting improvement in the treatment of CAD afforded by stenting procedures has been buffered by significant undesirable host-implant effects, including restenosis and late thrombosis. Nanotechnology has led to some potential solutions to these problems by yielding constructs that interface with plaque cellular components at an unprecedented size scale. By leveraging the innate ability of macrophages to phagocytose nanoparticles, contrast agents can now be targeted to plaque inflammatory activity. Improvements in nano-patterning procedures have now led to increased ability to regenerate tissue isotropy directly on stents, enabling gradual regeneration of normal, physiologic vascular structures. Advancements in immunoassay technologies promise lower costs for biomarker measurements, and in the near future, may enable the addition of routine blood testing to the clinician's toolbox--decreasing the costs of atherosclerosis-related medical care. These are merely three examples among many stories of how nanotechnology continues to promise advances in the diagnosis and treatment of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.

Intravital microscopy: new insights into metastasis of tumors

Metastasis, the process by which cells spread from the primary tumor to a distant site to form secondary tumors, is still not fully understood. Although histological techniques have provided important information, they give only a static image and thus compromise interpretation of this dynamic process. New advances in intravital microscopy (IVM), such as two-photon microscopy, imaging chambers, and multicolor and fluorescent resonance energy transfer imaging, have recently been used to visualize the behavior of single metastasizing cells at subcellular resolution over several days, yielding new and unexpected insights into this process. For example, IVM studies showed that tumor cells can switch between multiple invasion strategies in response to various densities of extracellular matrix. Moreover, other IVM studies showed that tumor cell migration and blood entry take place not only at the invasive front, but also within the tumor mass at tumor-associated vessels that lack an intact basement membrane. In this Commentary, we will give an overview of the recent advances in high-resolution IVM techniques and discuss some of the latest insights in the metastasis field obtained with IVM.

Molecular imaging of tumor invasion and metastases: the role of MRI

The processes of tumor invasion and metastasis have been well characterized at the molecular level, and numerous biomarkers of tumor aggressiveness have been discovered. Molecular imaging offers the opportunity to depict specific cell markers relevant to tumor aggressiveness. Here, we describe the role of MRI in identifying tumor invasiveness and metastasis with reference to other methods. Target-specific molecular imaging probes for tumor invasiveness have been developed for positron emission tomography and optical imaging, but progress in MRI has been slower. For example, proteases associated with tumor invasion, such as specific matrix metalloproteinases or cathepsins, can be targeted in vivo using optical and positron emission tomography methods, but have not yet been successful with MRI. In addition, we describe the use of MRI to detect metastases. Novel MR contrast agents based on iron oxide and dendrimer nanomaterials allow for better characterization of tumor metastases. Organ-specific MR contrast agents are used to identify metastatic disease in the liver. Finally, diffusion-weighted whole-body MRI is discussed as an alternative offered by MRI that does not require the use of molecular probes to screen distant metastases.

Optical imaging in cancer research: basic principles, tumor detection, and therapeutic monitoring

Accurate and rapid detection of diseases is of great importance for assessing the molecular basis of pathogenesis, preventing the onset of complications, and implementing a tailored therapeutic regimen. The ability of optical imaging to transcend wide spatial imaging scales ranging from cells to organ systems has rejuvenated interest in using this technology for medical imaging. Moreover, optical imaging has at its disposal diverse contrast mechanisms for distinguishing normal from pathologic processes and tissues. To accommodate these signaling strategies, an array of imaging techniques has been developed. Importantly, light absorption, and emission methods, as well as hybrid optical imaging approaches are amenable to both small animal and human studies. Typically, complex methods are needed to extract quantitative data from deep tissues. This review focuses on the development of optical imaging platforms, image processing techniques, and molecular probes, as well as their applications in cancer diagnosis, staging, and monitoring therapeutic response.