1
|
Zhang X, Hu S, Huang L, Chen X, Wang X, Fu YN, Sun H, Li G, Wang X. Advance Progress in Assembly Mechanisms of Carrier-Free Nanodrugs for Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28:7065. [PMID: 37894544 PMCID: PMC10608994 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207065] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanocarriers have been widely studied and applied in the field of cancer treatment. However, conventional nanocarriers still suffer from complicated preparation processes, low drug loading, and potential toxicity of carriers themselves. To tackle the hindrance, carrier-free nanodrugs with biological activity have received increasing attention in cancer therapy. Extensive efforts have been made to exploit new self-assembly methods and mechanisms to expand the scope of carrier-free nanodrugs with enhanced therapeutic performance. In this review, we summarize the advanced progress and applications of carrier-free nanodrugs based on different types of assembly mechanisms and strategies, which involved noncovalent interactions, a combination of covalent bonds and noncovalent interactions, and metal ions-coordinated self-assembly. These carrier-free nanodrugs are introduced in detail according to their assembly and antitumor applications. Finally, the prospects and existing challenges of carrier-free nanodrugs in future development and clinical application are discussed. We hope that this comprehensive review will provide new insights into the rational design of more effective carrier-free nanodrug systems and advancing clinical cancer and other diseases (e.g., bacterial infections) infection treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shuyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Lifei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiyue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ya-nan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Hepatology, Tongliao Infectious Disease Hospital, Tongliao 028000, China
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, PLA Medical College & Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Guofeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Y, Luo C, Zhou S, Wang X, Zhang X, Li S, Zhang S, Wang S, Sun B, He Z, Sun J. Investigating the crucial roles of aliphatic tails in disulfide bond-linked docetaxel prodrug nanoassemblies. Asian J Pharm Sci 2021; 16:643-652. [PMID: 34849169 PMCID: PMC8609389 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Disulfide bond-bridging strategy has been extensively utilized to construct tumor specificity-responsive aliphatic prodrug nanoparticles (PNPs) for precise cancer therapy. Yet, there is no research shedding light on the impacts of the saturation and cis-trans configuration of aliphatic tails on the self-assembly capacity of disulfide bond-linked prodrugs and the in vivo delivery fate of PNPs. Herein, five disulfide bond-linked docetaxel-fatty acid prodrugs are designed and synthesized by using stearic acid, elaidic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid as the aliphatic tails, respectively. Interestingly, the cis-trans configuration of aliphatic tails significantly influences the self-assembly features of prodrugs, and elaidic acid-linked prodrug with a trans double bond show poor self-assembly capacity. Although the aliphatic tails have almost no effect on the redox-sensitive drug release and cytotoxicity, different aliphatic tails significantly influence the chemical stability of prodrugs and the colloidal stability of PNPs, thus affecting the in vivo pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and antitumor efficacy of PNPs. Our findings illustrate how aliphatic tails affect the assembly characteristic of disulfide bond-linked aliphatic prodrugs and the in vivo delivery fate of PNPs, and thus provide theoretical basis for future development of disulfide bond-bridged aliphatic prodrugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shuang Zhou
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xuanbo Zhang
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Shumeng Li
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Shenwu Zhang
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Bingjun Sun
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhonggui He
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo R, Xu N, Liu Y, Ling G, Yu J, Zhang P. Functional ultrasound-triggered phase-shift perfluorocarbon nanodroplets for cancer therapy. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:2064-2079. [PMID: 33992473 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, because of their unique properties, the use of perfluorocarbon nanodroplets (PFC NDs) in ultrasound-mediated tumor theranostics has attracted increasing interest. PFC is one of the most stable organic compounds with high hydrophobicity. Phase-shift PFC NDs can be transformed into highly echogenic microbubbles for ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging by ultrasound and laser light. In addition, in the process of acoustic droplet vaporization, PFC NDs with cavitation nuclei can be combined with a variety of ultrasound technologies to produce cavitation effects for tumor ablation, antivascular therapy and release of therapeutic agents loaded in nanodroplets. Moreover, they can also be used to overcome tumor hypoxia by virtue of high oxygen solubility. In this review, first the preparation and stabilization of PFC NDs are summarized and then the issues and outlook are discussed. More importantly, multifunctional platforms based on PFC NDs for cancer diagnostics, therapy and theranostics are reviewed in detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Guo
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Na Xu
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guixia Ling
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bao S, Zheng H, Ye J, Huang H, Zhou B, Yao Q, Lin G, Zhang H, Kou L, Chen R. Dual Targeting EGFR and STAT3 With Erlotinib and Alantolactone Co-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:625084. [PMID: 33815107 PMCID: PMC8017486 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.625084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most common malignancies and also a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Many studies have shown that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in PC, which provides a potential target for PC treatment. However, EGFR inhibitors use alone was proven ineffective in clinical trials, due to the persistence of cellular feedback mechanisms which foster therapeutic resistance to single targeting of EGFR. Specifically, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is over-activated when receiving an EGFR inhibitor and is believed to be highly involved in the failure and resistance of EGFR inhibitor treatment. Therein, we hypothesized that dual inhibition of EGFR and STAT3 strategy could address the STAT3 induced resistance during EGFR inhibitor treatment. To this end, we tried to develop poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles to co-load Alantolactone (ALA, a novel STAT3 inhibitor) and Erlotinib (ERL, an EGFR inhibitor) for pancreatic cancer to test our guess. The loading ratio of ALA and ERL was firstly optimized in vitro to achieve a combined cancer-killing effect. Then, the ALA- and ERL-co-loaded nanoparticles (AE@NPs) were successfully prepared and characterized, and the related anticancer effects and cellular uptake of AE@NPs were studied. We also further detailly explored the underlying mechanisms. The results suggested that AE@NPs with uniform particle size and high drug load could induce significant pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis and display an ideal anticancer effect. Mechanism studies showed that AE@NPs inhibited the phosphorylation of both EGFR and STAT3, indicating the dual suppression of these two signaling pathways. Additionally, AE@NPs could also activate the ROS-p38 axis, which is not observed in the single drug treatments. Collectively, the AE@NPs prepared in this study possess great potential for pancreatic cancer treatment by dual suppressing of EGFR and STAT3 pathways and activating ROS-responsive p38 MAPK pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Bao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hailun Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jinyao Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Wenzhou, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huirong Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Wenzhou, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qing Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guangyong Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hailin Zhang
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Children's Respiration Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Longfa Kou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ruijie Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Araste F, Aliabadi A, Abnous K, Taghdisi SM, Ramezani M, Alibolandi M. Self-assembled polymeric vesicles: Focus on polymersomes in cancer treatment. J Control Release 2021; 330:502-528. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
6
|
Yang B, Gao J, Pei Q, Xu H, Yu H. Engineering Prodrug Nanomedicine for Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2002365. [PMID: 33304763 PMCID: PMC7709995 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shifted the clinical paradigm of cancer management. However, despite promising initial progress, immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer still suffer from relatively low response rates and the possibility of severe side effects, likely due to the low inherent immunogenicity of tumor cells, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and significant inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity. Recently, nanoformulations of prodrugs have been explored as a means to enhance cancer immunotherapy by simultaneously eliciting antitumor immune responses and reversing local immunosuppression. Prodrug nanomedicines, which integrate engineering advances in chemistry, oncoimmunology, and material science, are rationally designed through chemically modifying small molecule drugs, peptides, or antibodies to yield increased bioavailability and spatiotemporal control of drug release and activation at the target sites. Such strategies can help reduce adverse effects and enable codelivery of multiple immune modulators to yield synergistic cancer immunotherapy. In this review article, recent advances and translational challenges facing prodrug nanomedicines for cancer immunotherapy are overviewed. Last, key considerations are outlined for future efforts to advance prodrug nanomedicines aimed to improve antitumor immune responses and combat immune tolerogenic microenvironments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of PharmaceuticsShanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai201203China
- Department of Medical UltrasoundShanghai Tenth People's HospitalUltrasound Research and Education InstituteTongji University School of MedicineTongji University Cancer CenterShanghai200072China
| | - Jing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of PharmaceuticsShanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai201203China
- Department of Medical UltrasoundShanghai Tenth People's HospitalUltrasound Research and Education InstituteTongji University School of MedicineTongji University Cancer CenterShanghai200072China
| | - Qing Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of PharmaceuticsShanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai201203China
| | - Huixiong Xu
- Department of Medical UltrasoundShanghai Tenth People's HospitalUltrasound Research and Education InstituteTongji University School of MedicineTongji University Cancer CenterShanghai200072China
| | - Haijun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of PharmaceuticsShanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai201203China
| |
Collapse
|