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René CA, Parks RJ. Bioengineering extracellular vesicle cargo for optimal therapeutic efficiency. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101259. [PMID: 38770107 PMCID: PMC11103572 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have the innate ability to carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between cells, and thus these vesicles have gained much attention as potential therapeutic delivery vehicles. Many strategies have been explored to enhance the loading of specific cargoes of interest into EVs, which could result in the delivery of more therapeutic to recipient cells, thus enhancing therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss the natural biogenesis of EVs, the mechanism by which proteins and nucleic acids are selected for inclusion in EVs, and novel methods that have been employed to enhance loading of specific cargoes into EVs. As well, we discuss biodistribution of administered EVs in vivo and summarize clinical trials that have attempted to harness the therapeutic potential of EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A. René
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Robin J. Parks
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
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Matsuzaka Y, Yashiro R. Current Strategies and Therapeutic Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Drug Delivery. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:707. [PMID: 38931374 PMCID: PMC11206583 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060707] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising approach for drug delivery strategies because of their unique properties. These strategies include stem cell membrane-coated nanoparticles, stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles, immunomodulatory effects, stem cell-laden scaffolds, and scaffold-free stem cell sheets. MSCs offer advantages such as low immunogenicity, homing ability, and tumor tropism, making them ideal for targeted drug delivery systems. Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles have gained attention for their immune properties and tumor-homing abilities, presenting a potential solution for drug delivery challenges. The relationship between MSC-based drug delivery and the self-renewal and differentiation capabilities of MSCs lies in the potential of engineered MSCs to serve as effective carriers for therapeutic agents while maintaining their intrinsic properties. MSCs exhibit potent immunosuppressive functions in MSC-based drug delivery strategies. Stem cell-derived EVs have low immunogenicity and strong therapeutic potential for tissue repair and regeneration. Scaffold-free stem cell sheets represent a cutting-edge approach in regenerative medicine, offering a versatile platform for tissue engineering and regeneration across different medical specialties. MSCs have shown great potential for clinical applications in regenerative medicine because of their ability to differentiate into various cell types, secrete bioactive factors, and modulate immune responses. Researchers are exploring these innovative approaches to enhance drug delivery efficiency and effectiveness in treating various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunari Matsuzaka
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Administrative Section of Radiation Protection, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira 187-8551, Tokyo, Japan;
- Department of Medical Molecular Informatics, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Kiyose 204-8588, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryu Yashiro
- Administrative Section of Radiation Protection, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira 187-8551, Tokyo, Japan;
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
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Sieler M, Dörnen J, Dittmar T. How Much Do You Fuse? A Comparison of Cell Fusion Assays in a Breast Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5668. [PMID: 38891857 PMCID: PMC11172233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115668] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion is a biological process that is crucial for the development and homeostasis of different tissues, but it is also pathophysiologically associated with tumor progression and malignancy. The investigation of cell fusion processes is difficult because there is no standardized marker. Many studies therefore use different systems to observe and quantify cell fusion in vitro and in vivo. The comparability of the results must be critically questioned, because both the experimental procedure and the assays differ between studies. The comparability of the fluorescence-based fluorescence double reporter (FDR) and dual split protein (DSP) assay was investigated as part of this study, in which general conditions were kept largely constant. In order to be able to induce both a high and a low cell fusion rate, M13SV1 breast epithelial cells were modified with regard to the expression level of the fusogenic protein Syncytin-1 and its receptor ASCT2 and were co-cultivated for 72 h with different breast cancer cell lines. A high number of fused cells was found in co-cultures with Syncytin-1-overexpressing M13SV1 cells, but differences between the assays were also observed. This shows that the quantification of cell fusion events in particular is highly dependent on the assay selected, but the influence of fusogenic proteins can be visualized very well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
| | - Jessica Dörnen
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
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Xu YP, Jiang T, Yang XF, Chen ZB. Methods, Mechanisms, and Application Prospects for Enhancing Extracellular Vesicle Uptake. Curr Med Sci 2024; 44:247-260. [PMID: 38622425 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-024-2861-7] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered to be a new generation of bioinspired nanoscale drug delivery systems due to their low immunogenicity, natural functionality, and excellent biocompatibility. However, limitations such as low uptake efficiency, insufficient production, and inhomogeneous performance undermine their potential. To address these issues, numerous researchers have put forward various methods and applications for enhancing EV uptake in recent decades. In this review, we introduce various methods for the cellular uptake of EVs and summarize recent advances on the methods and mechanisms for enhancing EV uptake. In addition, we provide further understanding regarding enhancing EV uptake and put forward prospects and challenges for the development of EV-based therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Peng Xu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiao-Fan Yang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Zhen-Bing Chen
- Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Erana-Perez Z, Igartua M, Santos-Vizcaino E, Hernandez RM. Genetically engineered loaded extracellular vesicles for drug delivery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:350-365. [PMID: 38508958 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.02.006] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) for drug delivery is being widely explored by scientists from several research fields. To fully exploit their therapeutic potential, multiple methods for loading EVs have been developed. Although exogenous methods have been extensively utilized, in recent years the endogenous method has gained significant attention. This approach, based on parental cell genetic engineering, is suitable for loading large therapeutic biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. We review the most commonly used EV loading methods and emphasize the inherent advantages of the endogenous method over the others. We also examine the most recent advances and applications of this innovative approach to inform on the diverse therapeutic opportunities that lie ahead in the field of EV-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuriñe Erana-Perez
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Manoli Igartua
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Edorta Santos-Vizcaino
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - Rosa Maria Hernandez
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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Sun M, Zhang H, Liu J, Chen J, Cui Y, Wang S, Zhang X, Yang Z. Extracellular Vesicles: A New Star for Gene Drug Delivery. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2241-2264. [PMID: 38465204 PMCID: PMC10924919 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s446224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, gene therapy has become a subject of considerable research and has been widely evaluated in various disease models. Though it is considered as a stand-alone agent for COVID-19 vaccination, gene therapy is still suffering from the following drawbacks during its translation from the bench to the bedside: the high sensitivity of exogenous nucleic acids to enzymatic degradation; the severe side effects induced either by exogenous nucleic acids or components in the formulation; and the difficulty to cross the barriers before reaching the therapeutic target. Therefore, for the successful application of gene therapy, a safe and reliable transport vector is urgently needed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are the ideal candidate for the delivery of gene drugs owing to their low immunogenicity, good biocompatibility and low toxicity. To better understand the properties of EVs and their advantages as gene drug delivery vehicles, this review covers from the origin of EVs to the methods of EVs generation, as well as the common methods of isolation and purification in research, with their pros and cons discussed. Meanwhile, the engineering of EVs for gene drugs is also highlighted. In addition, this paper also presents the progress in the EVs-mediated delivery of microRNAs, small interfering RNAs, messenger RNAs, plasmids, and antisense oligonucleotides. We believe this review will provide a theoretical basis for the development of gene drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaxin Cui
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Simiao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310020, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaogang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
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Tian J, Han Z, Song D, Peng Y, Xiong M, Chen Z, Duan S, Zhang L. Engineered Exosome for Drug Delivery: Recent Development and Clinical Applications. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:7923-7940. [PMID: 38152837 PMCID: PMC10752020 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s444582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are nano-sized membrane vesicles that transfer bioactive molecules between cells and modulate various biological processes under physiological and pathological conditions. By applying bioengineering technologies, exosomes can be modified to express specific markers or carry therapeutic cargo and emerge as novel platforms for the treatment of cancer, neurological, cardiovascular, immune, and infectious diseases. However, there are many challenges and uncertainties in the clinical translation of exosomes. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent advances and challenges in the translation of engineered exosomes, with a special focus on the methods and strategies for loading drugs into exosomes, the pros and cons of different loading methods, and the optimization of exosome production based on the drugs to be encapsulated. Moreover, we also summarize the current clinical applications and prospects of engineered exosomes, as well as the potential risks and limitations that need to be addressed in exosome engineering, including the standardization of exosome preparation and engineering protocols, the quality and quantity of exosomes, the control of drug release, and the immunogenicity and cytotoxicity of exosomes. Overall, engineered exosomes represent an exciting frontier in nanomedicine, but they still face challenges in large-scale production, the maintenance of storage stability, and clinical translation. With continuous advances in this field, exosome-based drug formulation could offer great promise for the targeted treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Tian
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengpu Han
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dandan Song
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Peng
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Xiong
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Chen
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuyin Duan
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
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Roerig J, Schulz-Siegmund M. Standardization Approaches for Extracellular Vesicle Loading with Oligonucleotides and Biologics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2301763. [PMID: 37287374 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202301763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are widely recognized for their potential as drug delivery systems. EVs are membranous nanoparticles shed from cells. Among their natural features are their ability to shield cargo molecules against degradation and enable their functional internalization into target cells. Especially biological or bio-inspired large molecules (LMs), like nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, and others, may profit from encapsulation in EVs for drug delivery purposes. In the last years, a variety of loading protocols are explored for different LMs. The lack of standardization in the EV drug delivery field has impeded their comparability so far. Currently, the first reporting frameworks and workflows for EV drug loading are proposed. The aim of this review is to summarize these evolving standardization approaches and set recently developed methods into context. This will allow for enhanced comparability of future work on EV drug loading with LMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josepha Roerig
- Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04317, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michaela Schulz-Siegmund
- Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04317, Leipzig, Germany
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Whitley JA, Cai H. Engineering extracellular vesicles to deliver CRISPR ribonucleoprotein for gene editing. J Extracell Vesicles 2023; 12:e12343. [PMID: 37723839 PMCID: PMC10507228 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12343] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a gene editing tool with tremendous therapeutic potential. Recently, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex-based CRISPR systems have gained momentum due to their reduction of off-target editing. This has coincided with the emergence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a therapeutic delivery vehicle due to its low immunogenicity and high capacity for manipulation. EVs are cell-derived membranous nanoparticles which mediate the intercellular transfer of molecular components. Current technologies achieve CRISPR RNP encapsulation into EVs through EVs biogenesis, thereby avoiding unnecessary physical, chemical or biological manipulations to the vesicles directly. Herein, we identify sixteen EVs-based CRISPR RNP encapsulation strategies, each with distinct genetic features to encapsulate CRISPR RNP. According to the molecular mechanism facilitating the encapsulation process, there are six strategies of encapsulating Cas9 RNP into virus-like particles based on genetic fusion, seven into EVs based on protein tethering, and three based on sgRNA-coupled encapsulation. Additionally, the incorporation of a targeting moiety to the EVs membrane surface through EVs biogenesis confers tropism and increases delivery efficiency to specific cell types. The targeting moieties include viral envelope proteins, recombinant proteins containing a ligand peptide, single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies, and integrins. However, current strategies still have a number of limitations which prevent their use in clinical trials. Among those, the incorporation of viral proteins for encapsulation of Cas9 RNP have raised issues of biocompatibility due to host immune response. Future studies should focus on genetically engineering the EVs without viral proteins, enhancing EVs delivery specificity, and promoting EVs-based homology directed repair. Nevertheless, the integration of CRISPR RNP encapsulation and tropism technologies will provide strategies for the EVs-based delivery of CRISPR RNP in gene therapy and disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Andrew Whitley
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
| | - Houjian Cai
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
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