1
|
Behzadipour Y, Hemmati S. Covalent conjugation and non-covalent complexation strategies for intracellular delivery of proteins using cell-penetrating peptides. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116910. [PMID: 38852512 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116910] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins provided new opportunities for patients and high sales volumes. However, they are formulated for extracellular targets. The lipophilic barrier of the plasma membrane renders the vast array of intracellular targets out of reach. Peptide-based delivery systems, namely cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), have few safety concerns, and low immunogenicity, with control over administered doses. This study investigates CPP-based protein delivery systems by classifying them into CPP-protein "covalent conjugation" and CPP: protein "non-covalent complexation" categories. Covalent conjugates ensure the proximity of the CPP to the cargo, which can improve cellular uptake and endosomal escape. We will discuss various aspects of covalent conjugates through non-cleavable (stable) or cleavable bonds. Non-cleavable CPP-protein conjugates are produced by recombinant DNA technology to express the complete fusion protein in a host cell or by chemical ligation of CPP and protein, which ensures stability during the delivery process. CPP-protein cleavable bonds are classified into pH-sensitive and redox-sensitive bonds, enzyme-cleavable bonds, and physical stimuli cleavable linkers (light radiation, ultrasonic waves, and thermo-responsive). We have highlighted the key characteristics of non-covalent complexes through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions to preserve the conformational integrity of the CPP and cargo. CPP-mediated protein delivery by non-covalent complexation, such as zippers, CPP adaptor methods, and avidin-biotin technology, are featured. Conclusively, non-covalent complexation methods are appropriate when a high number of CPP or protein samples are to be screened. In contrast, when the high biological activity of the protein is critical in the intracellular compartment, conjugation protocols are preferred.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Behzadipour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van der Wulp W, Gram AM, Bleijlevens B, Hagedoorn RS, Araman C, Kim RQ, Drijfhout JW, Parren PWHI, Hibbert RG, Hoeben RC, van Kasteren SI, Schuurman J, Ressing ME, Heemskerk MHM. Comparison of methods generating antibody-epitope conjugates for targeting cancer with virus-specific T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1183914. [PMID: 37261346 PMCID: PMC10227578 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic antibody-epitope conjugates (AECs) are promising new modalities to deliver immunogenic epitopes and redirect virus-specific T-cell activity to cancer cells. Nevertheless, many aspects of these antibody conjugates require optimization to increase their efficacy. Here we evaluated different strategies to conjugate an EBV epitope (YVL/A2) preceded by a protease cleavage site to the antibodies cetuximab and trastuzumab. Three approaches were taken: chemical conjugation (i.e. a thiol-maleimide reaction) to reduced cysteine side chains, heavy chain C-terminal enzymatic conjugation using sortase A, and genetic fusions, to the heavy chain (HC) C-terminus. All three conjugates were capable of T-cell activation and target-cell killing via proteolytic release of the EBV epitope and expression of the antibody target was a requirement for T-cell activation. Moreover, AECs generated with a second immunogenic epitope derived from CMV (NLV/A2) were able to deliver and redirect CMV specific T-cells, in which the amino sequence of the attached peptide appeared to influence the efficiency of epitope delivery. Therefore, screening of multiple protease cleavage sites and epitopes attached to the antibody is necessary. Taken together, our data demonstrated that multiple AECs could sensitize cancer cells to virus-specific T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willemijn van der Wulp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anna M. Gram
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Renate S. Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Can Araman
- Division of Bio-organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Robbert Q. Kim
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Rob C. Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sander I. van Kasteren
- Division of Bio-organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Maaike E. Ressing
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jun JV, Petri YD, Erickson LW, Raines RT. Modular Diazo Compound for the Bioreversible Late-Stage Modification of Proteins. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:6615-6621. [PMID: 36920197 PMCID: PMC10175043 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c11325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
We introduce a versatile strategy for the bioreversible modification of proteins. Our strategy is based on a tricomponent molecule, synthesized in three steps, that incorporates a diazo moiety for chemoselective esterification of carboxyl groups, a pyridyl disulfide group for late-stage functionalization with thiolated ligands, and a self-immolative carbonate group for esterase-mediated cleavage. Using cytochrome c (Cyt c) and the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as models, we generated protein conjugates modified with diverse domains for cellular delivery that include a small molecule, targeting and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), and a large polysaccharide. As a proof of concept, we used our strategy to effect the delivery of proteins into the cytosol of live mammalian cells in the presence of serum. The cellular delivery of functional Cyt c, which induces apoptosis, highlighted the advantage of bioreversible conjugation on a carboxyl group versus irreversible conjugation on an amino group. The ease and utility of this traceless modification provide new opportunities for chemical biologists.
Collapse
|
4
|
Sakamoto K, Furukawa H, Arafiles JVV, Imanishi M, Matsuura K, Futaki S. Artificial Nanocage Formed via Self-Assembly of β-Annulus Peptide for Delivering Biofunctional Proteins into Cell Interiors. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:311-320. [PMID: 35049280 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanocarriers that deliver functional proteins to cell interiors are an attractive platform for the intracellular delivery of intact proteins without further modification, with in vivo compatibility. Development of efficient methods for cargo protein encapsulation and release in recipient cell cytosol is needed. Herein, we assess the feasibility of the abovementioned requirements using a protein nanocage (artificial nanocage) without compromising the structure and functions of the original protein and allowing for design flexibility of the surfaces and interiors. The protein nanocage formed via the self-assembly of the β-annulus peptide (24-amino acid peptide) in water was used as a model framework. The nitrilotriacetic acid moiety was displayed on the nanocage lumen for effective encapsulation of hexahistidine-tagged proteins in the presence of Ni2+, and the amphiphilic cationic lytic peptide HAad was displayed on a nanocage surface to attain cell permeability. Successful intracellular delivery of cargo proteins and targeting of cytosolic proteins by a nanobody were achieved, indicating the validity of the approach employed in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kentarou Sakamoto
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Hiroto Furukawa
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
| | | | - Miki Imanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Kazunori Matsuura
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8552, Japan.,Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
| | - Shiroh Futaki
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hirai Y, Hirose H, Imanishi M, Asai T, Futaki S. Cytosolic protein delivery using pH-responsive, charge-reversible lipid nanoparticles. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19896. [PMID: 34615928 PMCID: PMC8494842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99180-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although proteins have attractive features as biopharmaceuticals, the difficulty in delivering them into the cell interior limits their applicability. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a promising class of delivery vehicles. When designing a protein delivery system based on LNPs, the major challenges include: (i) formulation of LNPs with defined particle sizes and dispersity, (ii) efficient encapsulation of cargo proteins into LNPs, and (iii) effective cellular uptake and endosomal release into the cytosol. Dioleoylglycerophosphate-diethylenediamine (DOP-DEDA) is a pH-responsive, charge-reversible lipid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of DOP-DEDA-based LNPs for intracellular protein delivery. Considering the importance of electrostatic interactions in protein encapsulation into LNPs, a negatively charged green fluorescent protein (GFP) analog was successfully encapsulated into DOP-DEDA-based LNPs to yield diameters and polydispersity index of < 200 nm and < 0.2, respectively. Moreover, ~ 80% of the cargo proteins was encapsulated into the LNPs. Cytosolic distribution of fluorescent signals of the protein was observed for up to ~ 90% cells treated with the LNPs, indicating the facilitated endocytic uptake and endosomal escape of the cargo attained using the LNP system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Hirai
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Hisaaki Hirose
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Miki Imanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Asai
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Shiroh Futaki
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li W, Liu J, Shao L, Mao L, Wang M. DNAzyme-Catalyzed Cellular Oxidative Stress Amplification for Pro-protein Activation in Living Cells. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2608-2613. [PMID: 34155741 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The conditional control of protein function in response to the physiological change of cells is of great interest for studying protein function in biological settings and developing protein therapeutics. We report herein that catalase (CAT) DNAzyme can potentiate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living cells by knocking down catalase expression, which could further activate a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive pro-protein, RNase A-NBC, in situ. Using an optimized lipid nanoparticle delivery system to simultaneously introduce CAT DNAzyme and RNase A-NBC into cells, we show that the pro-protein, RNase A-NBC, could be activated in a significantly enhanced manner to prohibit tumor cell growth in different types of cancer cells. We believe the methodology of regulating pro-protein activity using DNAzyme biocatalysis to differentiate intracellular environment could further be extended to other functional proteins, and even fundamental investigations in living systems to develop pro-protein therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongguancun North First Street 2, 100190, Beijing, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Ji Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongguancun North First Street 2, 100190, Beijing, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Leihou Shao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongguancun North First Street 2, 100190, Beijing, P. R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Organic Materials Testing Technology and Quality Evaluation, Beijing Center for Physical and Chemical Analysis, Beijing, 100089, P. R. China
| | - Lanqun Mao
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, No.19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100875, P. R. China
| | - Ming Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongguancun North First Street 2, 100190, Beijing, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|