Hyaluronic acid-supported combination of water insoluble immunostimulatory compounds for anti-cancer immunotherapy

A review of carbohydrate polymer-synthesized nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy: Past, present and future perspectives

Cancer continues to be a leading factor in mortality and tackling it has been made difficult by the development of immune escape. Furthermore, alternative treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have been unsuccessful in eradicating cancer. Despite being effective, they have not succeeded in providing a full cancer treatment and exhibit several negative effects. The field of immunotherapy has been improved by utilizing cancer vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and adoptive cell transfer to enhance immune responses to tumors. Nevertheless, cancer cells need to adapt and become immune to immune reactions, leading to the need for innovative treatment methods. Carbohydrate polymers and their nanoparticles have been beneficial in improving cancer immunotherapy by being customizable to specifically target the immune system. These nanoparticles can change the tumor microenvironment and accelerate immunotherapy by affecting immune cells such as T cells and dendritic cells. Incorporating both chemotherapy and phototherapy into nanoparticles can improve immunotherapy. Furthermore, besides controlling immune reactions, carbohydrate polymer nanoparticles can also be used for theranostic purposes, where they are used to image tumor cells and activate the immune system to eradicate cancer.

CD44-targeted hyaluronic acid coated imiquimod lipid nanocapsules foster the efficacy against skin cancer: Attempt to conquer unfavorable side effects

This study was executed to mitigate imiquimod (IMQ)-side effects and promote its anticancer potential against skin cancer via encapsulation in hyaluronic acid-coated lipid nanocapsules (HA-LNCs) for targeted topical delivery. The LNCs were prepared using the phase inversion technique. Optimized LNCs formulation was gained following 22 factorial design experiment to adjust the IMQ and CTAB concentrations. The two variables were found to significantly influence the dependent responses. The encapsulation efficiency of IMQ exceeded 97 %. HA coating provided a sustained release of IMQ from LNCs, with 63.81 ± 2.45 % of IMQ released after 24 h. Moreover, the ex-vivo human skin permeation study showed that 7.9-fold more IMQ was localized in all skin layers than that permeated. In vitro anticancer activity indicated that IMQ-HA-LNCs had higher cytotoxicity (IC50 = 22.39 μg/mL) compared to free IMQ (IC50 = 97.94 μg/mL). Further, in vivo studies revealed that encapsulation of IMQ in HA-LNCs enhanced its immunostimulatory potential and promoted its anti-tumor activity in competing skin cancer even in low doses compared to the untreated group and group treated with a brand product with no topical or systemic toxicity. The present study suggested that HA-LNCs with their mixed polymeric/lipophilic nature epitomize a promising strategy for safe topical delivery of poorly water-soluble candidates.

Hyaluronic Acid within Self-Assembling Nanoparticles: Endless Possibilities for Targeted Cancer Therapy

Self-assembling nanoparticles (SANPs) based on hyaluronic acid (HA) represent unique tools in cancer therapy because they combine the HA targeting activity towards cancer cells with the advantageous features of the self-assembling nanosystems, i.e., chemical versatility and ease of preparation and scalability. This review describes the key outcomes arising from the combination of HA and SANPs, focusing on nanomaterials where HA and/or HA-derivatives are inserted within the self-assembling nanostructure. We elucidate the different HA derivatization strategies proposed for this scope, as well as the preparation methods used for the fabrication of the delivery device. After showing the biological results in the employed in vivo and in vitro models, we discussed the pros and cons of each nanosystem, opening a discussion on which approach represents the most promising strategy for further investigation and effective therapeutic protocol development.

The synthesis, characterization and immunological activity of mucopolysaccharide-quaternized chitosan nanoparticles

In this study, nanoparticles were prepared by using positively charged quaternized chitosan and negatively charged mucopolysaccharide such as chondroitin sulfate, heparin and hyaluronic acid. The nanoparticles have a stable nanostructure with particle size in 336.2-424.5 nm, potential in 18.5-31.1 mV and polydispersity index PDI of 0.172-0.335. Moreover, their encapsulation efficiency was 68.77 % and 64.89 %, and they have low endotoxin and good stability. It can significantly promote the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β of DCS cells. Moreover, the in vivo immune activity of heparin-quaternized chitosan-OVA nanoparticles against BALB/C mice was showed that, the nanoparticles could significantly promote the secretion of immunoglobulins in mice including IgG1 and IgG2. And nanoparticle also can promote the production of immune factors. Meanwhile, the expression of immune factor genes was also elevated. Furthermore, the results of tissue section experiments showed that the nanoparticles are safety of the body.

Bifunctional lipids in tumor vaccines: An outstanding delivery carrier and promising immune stimulator

Cancer is still a major threat for human life, and the cancer immunotherapy can be more optimized to prolong life. However, the effect of immunotherapy is not encouraging. In order to achieve outstanding immune effect, it is necessary to strengthen antigens uptake of antigen presenting cells. Adjuvants were added to vaccines to achieve this purpose, which could be divided into two types: as an immunostimulatory molecule, the innate immunities of the body were triggered; or as a delivery carrier, and antigens were cross-delivery through the "cytoplasmic pathway" and released at a specific location. This paper reviewed the relevant research status of tumor vaccine immune adjuvants in recent years. Among the review, the function, combination strategies and derivatives of lipid A were discussed in detail. In addition, some suggestions on the existing problems and research direction of lipids as tumor vaccine adjuvants were put forward.

Advances in Hyaluronic-Acid-Based (Nano)Devices for Cancer Therapy

Cancer is the main cause of fatality all over the world with a considerable growth rate. Many biologically active nanoplatforms are exploited for tumor treatment. Of nanodevices, hyaluronic acid (HA)-based systems have shown to be promising candidates for cancer therapy due to their high biocompatibility and cell internalization. Herein, surface functionalization of different nanoparticles (NPs), e.g., organic- and inorganic-based NPs, is highlighted. Subsequently, HA-based nanostructures and their applications in cancer therapy are presented.

Enhanced anti-tumor immunotherapy by silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with ovalbumin

Background

The effective induction of an antigen-specific T cell immune response through dendritic cell activation is one of the key goals of tumor immunotherapy.

Methods

In this study, efficient antigen-delivery carriers using silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles were designed and, their antigen-specific T cell immune response through dendritic cell activation investigated.

Results

The results showed that the silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles with conjugated ovalbumin enhanced the production of cytokines and antigen uptake in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Also, this induced an antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immune response and activated antigen-specific Th1 cell responses, including IL-2 and IFN-γ production and proliferation. We proved that the immune-stimulatory effects of silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles with conjugated ovalbumin were efficient in inhibiting of tumor growth in EG7-OVA (mouse lymphoma-expressing ovalbumin tumor-bearing mice model).

Conclusion

Therefore, the silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles with conjugated ovalbumin are expected to be useful as efficient anti-cancer immunotherapy agents.

Role of cell surface proteoglycans in cancer immunotherapy

Over the past few decades, understanding how tumor cells evade the immune system and their communication with their tumor microenvironment, has been the subject of intense investigation, with the aim of developing new cancer immunotherapies. The current therapies against cancer such as monoclonal antibodies against checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell transfer, cytokines, vaccines, and oncolytic viruses have managed to improve the clinical outcome of the patients. However, in some tumor entities, the response is limited and could benefit from the identification of novel therapeutic targets. It is known that tumor-extracellular matrix interplay and matrix remodeling are necessary for anti-tumor and pro-tumoral immune responses. Proteoglycans are dominant components of the extracellular matrix and are a highly heterogeneous group of proteins characterized by the covalent attachment of a specific linear carbohydrate chain of the glycosaminoglycan type. At cell surfaces, these molecules modulate the expression and activity of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, adhesion molecules, and function as signaling co-receptors. By these mechanisms, proteoglycans influence the behavior of cancer cells and their microenvironment during the progression of solid tumors and hematopoietic malignancies. In this review, we discuss why cell surface proteoglycans are attractive pharmacological targets in cancer, and we present current and recent developments in cancer immunology and immunotherapy utilizing proteoglycan-targeted strategies.

Biomedical Applications of Hyaluronic Acid-Based Nanomaterials in Hyperthermic Cancer Therapy

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a non-sulfated polysaccharide polymer with the properties of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. Additionally, HA specifically binds to certain receptors that are over-expressed in cancer cells. To maximize the effect of drug delivery and cancer treatment, diverse types of nanomaterials have been developed. HA-based nanomaterials, including micelles, polymersomes, hydrogels, and nanoparticles, play a critical role in efficient drug delivery and cancer treatment. Hyperthermic cancer treatment using HA-based nanomaterials has attracted attention as an efficient cancer treatment approach. In this paper, the biomedical applications of HA-based nanomaterials in hyperthermic cancer treatment and combined therapies are summarized. HA-based nanomaterials may become a representative platform in hyperthermic cancer treatment.

Actinic keratosis and imiquimod: a review of novel carriers and patents

INTRODUCTION

Actinic keratosis is one of the most common disorder characterized by erythematic and generally attached scaly lesions which are present either alone or in clusters. World Health Organization defines actinic keratosis as a common intraepidermal neoplasm of sun-damaged skin, characterized by variable atypia of keratinocytes.

AREAS COVERED

At the beginning of the 20th century, a new immunomodulator molecule, imiquimod, appears in the market for the treatment of actinic keratosis but suffers from the pitfalls of the conventional approach of dosage form preparation including high dose, poor stability and more side effects. The present article attempts to compile the scatter information related to actinic keratosis and imiquimod at one place. The special emphasis will be made on the information available in various research articles and patents with respect to the efforts made for overcoming shortcomings associated with imiquimod by novel drug delivery or other approaches.

EXPERT OPINION

The conventional drug delivery systems are unsuccessful to improve the actinic keratosis. The patient acceptance and compliance with these treatments are generally poor due to associated side effects, poor cosmetic outcomes and high costs. Therefore, several available and reported novel therapeutic approaches are being developed in order to provide better action.

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapy

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan and a major component of the extracellular matrix. HA is overexpressed by numerous tumor cells, especially tumor-initiating cells. HA-based nanomaterials play in importance role in drug delivery systems. HA is used in various types of nanomaterials including micelle, polymersome, hydrogel, and inorganic nanoparticle formulations. Many experiments show that HA-based nanomaterials can serve as a platform for targeted chemotherapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapy with good potential for future biomedical applications in cancer treatment.