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Al-Jipouri A, Eritja À, Bozic M. Unraveling the Multifaceted Roles of Extracellular Vesicles: Insights into Biology, Pharmacology, and Pharmaceutical Applications for Drug Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:485. [PMID: 38203656 PMCID: PMC10779093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles released from various cell types that have emerged as powerful new therapeutic option for a variety of diseases. EVs are involved in the transmission of biological signals between cells and in the regulation of a variety of biological processes, highlighting them as potential novel targets/platforms for therapeutics intervention and/or delivery. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate new aspects of EVs' biogenesis, biodistribution, metabolism, and excretion as well as safety/compatibility of both unmodified and engineered EVs upon administration in different pharmaceutical dosage forms and delivery systems. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of essential physiological and pathological roles of EVs in different organs and organ systems. We provide an overview regarding application of EVs as therapeutic targets, therapeutics, and drug delivery platforms. We also explore various approaches implemented over the years to improve the dosage of specific EV products for different administration routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Al-Jipouri
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Àuria Eritja
- Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), 25196 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Milica Bozic
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany;
- Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), 25196 Lleida, Spain;
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Moloudizargari M, Hekmatirad S, Gharaghani S, Moghadamnia AA, Najafzadehvarzi H, Asghari MH. Virtual screening reveals aprepitant to be a potent inhibitor of neutral sphingomyelinase 2: implications in blockade of exosome release in cancer therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:7207-7216. [PMID: 36884117 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04674-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Exosomes are membrane-derived nano-vesicles upregulated in pathological conditions like cancer. Therefore, inhibiting their release is a potential strategy for the development of more efficient combination therapies. Neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) is a key component in exosome release; however, a clinically safe yet efficient nSMase2 inhibitor remains to be used discovered. Accordingly, we made an effort to identify potential nSMase2 inhibitor(s) among the approved drugs. METHODS Virtual screening was performed and aprepitant was selected for further investigation. To evaluate the reliability of the complex, molecular dynamics were performed. Finally, using the CCK-8 assay in HCT116 cells, the highest non-toxic concentrations of aprepitant were identified and the nSMase2 activity assay was performed to measure the inhibitory activity of aprepitant, in vitro. RESULTS To validate the screening results, molecular docking was performed, and the retrieved scores were in line with the screening results. The root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) plot of aprepitant-nSMase2 showed proper convergence. Following treatment with different concentrations of aprepitant in both cell-free and cell-dependent assays, nSMase2 activity was remarkably decreased. CONCLUSION Aprepitant, at a concentration as low as 15 µM, was able to inhibit nSmase2 activity in HCT116 cells without any significant effects on their viability. Aprepitant is therefore suggested to be a potentially safe exosome release inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Moloudizargari
- Department of Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Shirin Hekmatirad
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajjad Gharaghani
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Drug Design (LBD), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Moghadamnia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, 4717647745, Iran
| | - Hossein Najafzadehvarzi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, 4717647745, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asghari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, 4717647745, Iran.
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Li X, Guo X, Huang J, Lin Q, Qin B, Jiang M, Shan X, Luo Z, Zhang J, Shi Y, Lu Y, Liu X, Du Y, Yang F, Luo L, You J. Recruiting T cells and sensitizing tumors to NKG2D immune surveillance for robust antitumor immune response. J Control Release 2023; 353:943-955. [PMID: 36535542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although recruiting T cells to convert cold tumors into hot can prevent some tumors from evading immune surveillance, tumors have evolved more mechanisms to achieve immune evasion, such as downregulating major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I) molecules expression to prevent T cells from recognizing tumor-antigens, or secreting immune suppression cytokines that disable T cells. Tumor immune evasion not only promotes tumor growth, but also weakens the efficacy of existing tumor immunotherapies. Therefore, recruiting T cells while reshaping innate immunity plays an important role in preventing tumor immune escape. In this study, we constructed a long-acting in situ forming implant (ISFI) based on the Atrigel technology, co-encapsulated with G3-C12 and sulfisoxazole (SFX) as a drug depot in the tumor site (SFX + G3-C12-ISFI). First, G3-C12 could recruit T cells, and transform cold into hot tumors. Furthermore, SFX could inhibit tumor-derived exosomes secretion, reduce the shedding of NKG2D ligand (NKG2DL), repair NKG2D/NKG2DL pathway, reinvigorate natural killer (NK) cells, and evade the effects of MHC I molecules missing. In the humanized cold tumor model, our strategy showed an excellent anti-tumor effect, providing a smart strategy for solving tumor evasion immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Xuemeng Guo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Huang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Qing Lin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Bing Qin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Mengshi Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Xinyu Shan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Junlei Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Yingying Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Yichao Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Xu Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Yongzhong Du
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Fuchun Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, PR China.
| | - Lihua Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China.
| | - Jian You
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China.
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Hosseini R, Sarvnaz H, Arabpour M, Ramshe SM, Asef-Kabiri L, Yousefi H, Akbari ME, Eskandari N. Cancer exosomes and natural killer cells dysfunction: biological roles, clinical significance and implications for immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:15. [PMID: 35031075 PMCID: PMC8759167 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01492-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) play pivotal roles in several aspects of cancer biology. It is now evident that TDEs also favor tumor growth by negatively affecting anti-tumor immunity. As important sentinels of immune surveillance system, natural killer (NK) cells can recognize malignant cells very early and counteract the tumor development and metastasis without a need for additional activation. Based on this rationale, adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded NK cells/NK cell lines, such as NK-92 cells, has attracted great attention and is widely studied as a promising immunotherapy for cancer treatment. However, by exploiting various strategies, including secretion of exosomes, cancer cells are able to subvert NK cell responses. This paper reviews the roles of TDEs in cancer-induced NK cells impairments with mechanistic insights. The clinical significance and potential approaches to nullify the effects of TDEs on NK cells in cancer immunotherapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Hosseini
- Department of Immunology School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Hamzeh Sarvnaz
- Department of Immunology School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maedeh Arabpour
- Department of Medical Genetics School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Molaei Ramshe
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Shahid, Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Asef-Kabiri
- Surgical Oncologist Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hassan Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - Mohammad Esmaeil Akbari
- Surgical Oncologist Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Eskandari
- Department of Immunology School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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The therapeutic triad of extracellular vesicles: As drug targets, as drugs, and as drug carriers. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 192:114714. [PMID: 34332957 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Rapidly growing interest in the study of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has led to the accumulation of evidence on their critical roles in various pathologies, as well as opportunities to design novel therapeutic EV-based applications. Efficiently exploiting the constantly expanding knowledge of the biology and function of EVs requires a deep understanding of the various possible strategies of using EVs for therapeutic purposes. Accordingly, in the present work, we have narrowed the broad therapeutic potential of EVs and consider the similarities and differences of various strategies as we articulate three major aspects (i.e., a triad) of their therapeutic uses: (i) EVs as drug targets, whereby we discuss therapeutic targeting of disease-promoting EVs; (ii) EVs as drugs, whereby we consider the natural medicinal properties of EVs and the available options for their optimization; and (iii) EVs as drug carriers, whereby we highlight the advantages of EVs as vehicles for efficacious drug delivery of natural compounds. Finally, after conducting a comprehensive review of the latest literature on each of these aspects, we outline opportunities, limitations, and potential solutions.
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Moloudizargari M, Redegeld F, Asghari MH, Mosaffa N, Mortaz E. Long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids reduce multiple myeloma exosome-mediated suppression of NK cell cytotoxicity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:647-659. [PMID: 32974883 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-020-00372-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), complete remission is usually challenging. The interactions between tumor and host cells, in which exosomes (EXs) play critical roles, have been shown to be among the major deteriorative tumor-promoting factors herein. Therefore, any endeavor to beneficially target these EX-mediated interactions could be of high importance. OBJECTIVES a) To investigate the effects of myeloma EXs on natural killer (NK) cell functions. b) To check whether treatment of myeloma cells with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids with known anti-cancer effects, can modify myeloma EXs in terms of their effects on natural killer functions. METHODS L363 cells were treated with either EPA or DHA or left untreated and the released EXs (designated as E-EX, D-EX and C-EX, respectively) were used to treat NK cells for functional studies. RESULTS Myeloma EXs (C-EXs) significantly reduced NK cytotoxicity against K562 cells (P ≤ 0.05), while the cytotoxicity suppression was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) in the (E-EX)- and (D-EX)-treated NK cells compared to the (C-EX)-treated cells. The expression of the activating NK receptor NKG2D and NK degranulation, after treatment with the EXs, were both altered following the same pattern. However, C-EXs could increase IFN-γ production in NK cells (P < 0.01), which was not significantly affected by EPA/DHA treatment. This indicates a dual effect of myeloma EXs on NK cells functions. CONCLUSION Our observations showed that myeloma EXs have both suppressive and stimulatory effects on different NK functions. Treatment of myeloma cells with EPA/DHA can reduce the suppressive effects of myeloma EXs while maintaining their stimulatory effects. These findings, together with the previous findings on the anti-cancer effects of EPA/DHA, provide stronger evidence for the repositioning of the currently existing EPA/DHA supplements to be used in the treatment of MM as an adjuvant treatment. EXs released from L363 (myeloma) cells in their steady state increase IFN-γ production of NK cells, while reduce their cytotoxicity against the K562 cell line (right blue trace). EXs from L363 cells pre-treated with either EPA or DHA are weaker stimulators of IFN-γ production. These EXs also increase NK cytotoxicity and NKG2D expression (left brown trace) compared to the EXs obtained from untreated L363 cells. Based on these findings, myeloma EXs have both suppressive and stimulatory effects on different NK functions depending on the properties of their cells of origin, which can be exploited in the treatment of myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Moloudizargari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Frank Redegeld
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asghari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Nariman Mosaffa
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Mortaz
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands. .,Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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