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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.
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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.
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2
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Lapenna A, Dagallier C, Huille S, Tribet C. Poly(glutamic acid)-Based Viscosity Reducers for Concentrated Formulations of a Monoclonal IgG Antibody. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:982-991. [PMID: 38240032 PMCID: PMC10849046 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01159] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Above a concentration threshold, the viscosity of solutions of proteins increases abruptly, which hampers the injectability of therapeutic formulations. Concentrations above 200 g/L are an ideal goal for subcutaneous application of antibodies. Molecular additives, such as amino acids (e.g., arginine) help decrease the viscosity, but they are used at concentrations as high as about 200 mmol/L. We addressed the question of whether poly(amino acids) could be more efficient than small molecular additives. We observed marked fluidification of a model therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) solution by poly(d,l-glutamic acid) and poly(l-glutamic acid) derivatives added at concentrations of <6.5 g/L (i.e., a mAb/polymer chain molar ratio between 4:1 and 1:1 mol/mol). The bare poly(glutamate) parent chains were compared with polyethylene glycol-grafted chains as PEGylation is a common way to enhance stability. Viscosity could be decreased to ∼20 mPa s as compared to values of ∼100 mPa s in the absence of polymers at 200 g/L mAb. Formation of complexes between the mAb and the polyglutamates was characterized by capillary electrophoresis analysis in dilute solutions (1 g/L mAb) and by observation of phase separation at higher concentrations, suggesting tight association at about 2:1 mol/mol mAb/polymer. Altogether, these results show that polyglutamate derivatives hold an untapped potential as an excipient for fluidification of concentrated protein solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Lapenna
- Département
de Chimie, PASTEUR, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Paris 75005, France
| | - Camille Dagallier
- Biologics
Formulation & Process Development, Biologics
Drug Product Development Department, SANOFI R&D, 13 quai Jules Guesde- BP 14, Vitry-sur-Seine 94403, France
| | - Sylvain Huille
- Biologics
Formulation & Process Development, Biologics
Drug Product Development Department, SANOFI R&D, 13 quai Jules Guesde- BP 14, Vitry-sur-Seine 94403, France
| | - Christophe Tribet
- Département
de Chimie, PASTEUR, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Paris 75005, France
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Koch KC, Bizmark TM, Tew GN. Alcohol-containing protein transduction domain mimics. J Control Release 2024; 365:950-956. [PMID: 38065415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.005] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The application and design of protein transduction domains (PTDs) and protein transduction domain mimics (PTDMs) have revolutionized the field of biomacromolecule delivery. Our group has previously synthesized block copolymer PTDMs with well-defined hydrophobic and cationic blocks via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). We have optimized the balance of hydrophobicity and cationic density to intracellularly deliver model proteins, active proteins, and antibodies. Despite the presence of serine, threonine, and tyrosine in naturally occurring PTDs, synthetic analogs have yet to be studied in PTDMs. In our present work, we introduce different alcohol groups to our PTDM structures as a new design parameter. A library of nine novel PTDMs were synthesized to incorporate alcohol groups of varying structures and evaluated based on their ability to intracellularly deliver fluorescently labeled antibodies. One PTDM in this novel library, named PTDM4, incorporates alcohol groups in both the hydrophobic and cationic blocks and was found to be the best performing PTDM with almost twice the median fluorescence intensity of the delivered antibody and half the cationic density compared to our positive control, a PTDM thoroughly studied by our group. PTDM4 was further studied by intracellularly delivering the active enzyme, TAT-Cre Recombinase. The activity of TAT-Cre Recombinase delivered by PTDM4 was comparable to that of the positive control, again with half the cationic density. This study is one of the first to examine the effects of alcohol groups on intracellular antibody and active enzyme delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla C Koch
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Tamara M Bizmark
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gregory N Tew
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States; Molecular & Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States; Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
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Porello I, Cellesi F. Intracellular delivery of therapeutic proteins. New advancements and future directions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1211798. [PMID: 37304137 PMCID: PMC10247999 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1211798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Achieving the full potential of therapeutic proteins to access and target intracellular receptors will have enormous benefits in advancing human health and fighting disease. Existing strategies for intracellular protein delivery, such as chemical modification and nanocarrier-based protein delivery approaches, have shown promise but with limited efficiency and safety concerns. The development of more effective and versatile delivery tools is crucial for the safe and effective use of protein drugs. Nanosystems that can trigger endocytosis and endosomal disruption, or directly deliver proteins into the cytosol, are essential for successful therapeutic effects. This article aims to provide a brief overview of the current methods for intracellular protein delivery to mammalian cells, highlighting current challenges, new developments, and future research opportunities.
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Barrios A, Milan M, Perozo E, Hossen ML, Chapagain P, Moon JH. Effects of sidechain isomerism on polymer-based non-covalent protein delivery. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:8246-8249. [PMID: 35786710 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc02343a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We present the importance of functional group isomerism on intracellular protein delivery using polymers containing different isomeric side chains. While the physical properties of polymer/protein complexes are relatively similar, different planarity of the isomers greatly influences the cellular entry efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Barrios
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Mario Milan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Elianny Perozo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Md Lokman Hossen
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Prem Chapagain
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL, 33199, USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Joong Ho Moon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL, 33199, USA. .,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL, 33199, USA
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Davis HC, Pan X, Kirsch ZJ, Vachet RW, Tew GN. Covalent Labeling-Mass Spectrometry Provides a Molecular Understanding of Noncovalent Polymer-Protein Complexation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:2489-2499. [PMID: 35608244 PMCID: PMC9205173 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00125] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of functional proteins to the intracellular space offers tremendous advantages for the development of new therapeutics but is limited by the passage of these large polar biomacromolecules through the cell membrane. Noncovalent polymer-protein binding that is driven by strong carrier-cargo interactions, including electrostatics and hydrophobicity, has previously been explored in the context of delivery of functional proteins. Appropriately designed polymer-based carriers can take advantage of the heterogeneous surface of protein cargoes, where multiple types of physical binding interactions with polymers can occur. Traditional methods of assessing polymer-protein binding, including dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and fluorescence-based assays, are useful in the study of new polymer-based carriers but face a number of limitations. We implement for the first time the method of covalent labeling-mass spectrometry (CL-MS) to probe intermolecular surface interactions within noncovalent polymer-protein complexes. We demonstrate the utility of CL-MS for establishing binding of an amphiphilic block copolymer to negatively charged and hydrophobic surface patches of a model protein, superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP), using diethylpyrocarbonate as a pseudo-specific labeling reagent. In addition, we utilize this method to explore differences at the intermolecular surface as the ratio of polymer to protein increases, particularly in the context of defining effective protein delivery regimes. By promoting an understanding of the intermolecular interactions in polymer-protein binding and identifying sites where polymers bind to protein surfaces, noncovalent polymer carriers can be more effectively designed for protein delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel C Davis
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Xiao Pan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Zachary J Kirsch
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Richard W Vachet
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Gregory N Tew
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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Kang Z, Liu Q, Zhang Z, Zheng Y, Wang C, Pan Z, Li Q, Liu Y, Shi L. Arginine-Rich Polymers with Pore-Forming Capability Enable Efficient Intracellular Delivery via Direct Translocation Across Cell Membrane. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200371. [PMID: 35460333 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200371] [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: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Efficient delivery of biomacromolecules or drugs across the cell membrane via endocytosis usually encounters inevitable entrapment in endosomes and subsequent degradation in lyso-endosomes. To address this issue, a series of arginine-rich cell penetrating polymers is designed and synthesized, which internalize into cells by inducing the formation of pores on the cell membrane, thereby crossing the cell membrane via direct translocation that fundamentally avoids endo/lysosomal entrapment. The structure-activity relationship studies show that PTn-R2-C6, which is a type of polymer that has two arginine residues and a flexible hexanoic acid linker in each side chain, exhibits excellent pore-formation ability on the cell membrane. Further investigations indicate that PTn-R2-C6 rapidly transports plasmid DNAs into cytosol through a similar endocytosis-independent pathway, thereby achieving significantly higher transfection efficiency and lower cytotoxicity than the gold-standard transfection reagent PEI 25K. These results suggest the great potential of PTn-R2-C6 as a safe and efficient gene transfection reagent for wide applications including disease treatments, vaccine development, and biomedical research purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Qi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Zhanzhan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Yadan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Chun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Zheng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Qiushi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Linqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education College of Chemistry Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
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Hango CR, Davis HC, Uddin EA, Minter LM, Tew GN. Increased block copolymer length improves intracellular availability of protein cargo. Polym Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2py00017b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Amphiphilic protein transduction domain mimics (PTDMs) of various lengths were used for protein delivery in Jurkat T cells. Although longer PTDMs facilitated greater cargo internalization, shorter PTDMs yielded greater cargo activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Hango
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Hazel C. Davis
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Esha A. Uddin
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Lisa M. Minter
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Gregory N. Tew
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
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