Dual-Targeting of Tumor Cells and Tumor-Associated Macrophages by Palmitic Acid Modified Albumin Nanoparticles for Antitumor and Antimetastasis Therapy

Oxygen-Independent Photodynamic Therapy-Mediated Selective Consumption of M1 Macrophage Against Ventricular Arrhythmias via Sympathetic Neuromodulation

The occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI)-induced malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) is closely associated with the hyperactivation of left stellate ganglion (LSG). Proinflammatory M1 macrophage is reported to aggravate sympathetic overactivation and cause VAs. Therefore, the depletion of M1 macrophage is anticipated to inhibit LSG overactivation and alleviate MI-induced VAs. Herein, oxygen-independent photodynamic therapy (Oi-PDT) combined with M1 macrophage targeting is applied to selectively deplete M1 macrophage in LSG and further treat MI-induced VAs. Oi-PDT, which overcomes the limitation of extremely dependence on oxygen content in traditional PDT, is constructed through the generation of oxidizing photogenerated holes (h+) under the irradiation of near-infrared (NIR) light on the prepared Oi-PDT agent (PPSCD). Meanwhile, PPSCD targets M1 macrophage through conjunction with SR-A receptor. The selective consumption of M1 macrophage is attributed to both apoptosis and ferroptosis induced by h+, 1O2, and O2 •- generated in Oi-PDT. In vivo tests indicated neural activity experienced a notable reduction from 104.5 ±  2.9 to 51.5 ± 6.7 after MI with Oi-PDT treatment, thereby significantly inhibited VAs. The implementation of this study provides a promising strategy for selective consumption of M1 macrophages and treatment of VAs induced by MI.

Detailed role of SR-A1 and SR-E3 in tumor biology, progression, and therapy

The first host defense systems are the innate immune response and the inflammatory response. Among innate immune cells, macrophages, are crucial because they preserve tissue homeostasis and eradicate infections by phagocytosis, or the ingestion of particles. Macrophages exhibit phenotypic variability contingent on their stimulation state and tissue environment and may be detected in several tissues. Meanwhile, critical inflammatory functions are played by macrophage scavenger receptors, in particular, SR-A1 (CD204) and SR-E3 (CD206), in a variety of pathophysiologic events. Such receptors, which are mainly found on the surface of multiple types of macrophages, have different effects on processes, including atherosclerosis, innate and adaptive immunity, liver and lung diseases, and, more recently, cancer. Although macrophage scavenger receptors have been demonstrated to be active across the disease spectrum, conflicting experimental findings and insufficient signaling pathways have hindered our comprehension of the molecular processes underlying its array of roles. Herein, as SR-A1 and SR-E3 functions are often binary, either protecting the host or impairing the pathophysiology of cancers has been reviewed. We will look into their function in malignancies, with an emphasis on their recently discovered function in macrophages and the possible therapeutic benefits of SR-A1 and SR-E3 targeting.

TRIM65/NF2/YAP1 Signaling Coordinately Orchestrates Metabolic and Immune Advantages in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Significantly activated uridine nucleotide and fatty acid metabolism in HCC cells promote malignant proliferation and immune evasion. Herein, it is demonstrated that the tripartite motif 65 (TRIM65) E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, O-GlcNAcylated via O-GlcNAcylation transferase, is highly expressed in HCC and facilitated metabolic remodeling to promote the accumulation of products related to uracil metabolism and palmitic acid, driving the progression of HCC. Mechanistically, it is showed that TRIM65 mediates ubiquitylation at the K44 residue of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), the key protein upstream of classical Hippo signaling. Accelerated NF2 degradation inhibits yes-associated protein 1 phosphorylation, inducing aberrant activation of related metabolic enzyme transcription, and orchestrating metabolic and immune advantages. In conclusion, these results reveal a critical role for the TRIM family molecule TRIM65 in supporting HCC cell survival and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting its E3 ligase activity to alter the regulation of proteasomal degradation.

Dexamethasone Palmitate Encapsulated in Palmitic Acid Modified Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint condition characterized by symmetric, erosive synovitis leading to cartilage erosion and significant disability. Macrophages, pivotal in disease progression, release pro-inflammatory factors upon activation. We developed a nanoparticle delivery system (DXP-PSA NPs), based on palmitic acid modified human serum albumin (PSA), to deliver dexamethasone palmitate (DXP) directly to sites of inflammation, enhancing treatment effectiveness and minimizing possible side effects. The system actively targets scavenger receptor-A on activated macrophages, achieving selective accumulation at inflamed joints. In vitro effect and preliminary targeting abilities were investigated on LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. The in vivo efficacy and safety were evaluated and compared side to side with commercially available lipid emulsion Limethason® in an advanced adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model. DXP-PSA NPs offer a novel approach to RA treatment and presents promising prospects for clinical translation.

Albumin Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems

Nanoparticle-based systems are extensively investigated for drug delivery. Among others, with superior biocompatibility and enhanced targeting capacity, albumin appears to be a promising carrier for drug delivery. Albumin nanoparticles are highly favored in many disease therapies, as they have the proper chemical groups for modification, cell-binding sites for cell adhesion, and affinity to protein drugs for nanocomplex generation. Herein, this review summarizes the recent fabrication techniques, modification strategies, and application of albumin nanoparticles. We first discuss various albumin nanoparticle fabrication methods, from both pros and cons. Then, we provide a comprehensive introduction to the modification section, including organic albumin nanoparticles, metal albumin nanoparticles, inorganic albumin nanoparticles, and albumin nanoparticle-based hybrids. We finally bring further perspectives on albumin nanoparticles used for various critical diseases.

An in situ forming gel co-loaded with pirarubicin and celecoxib inhibits postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer

Surgical removal combined with postoperative chemotherapy is still the mainstay of treatment for most solid tumors. Although chemotherapy reduces the risk of recurrence and metastasis after surgery, it may produce serious adverse effects and impair patient compliance. In situ drug delivery systems are promising tools for postoperative cancer treatment, improving drug delivery efficiency and reducing side effects. Herein, an injectable phospholipid-based in situ forming gel (IPG) was prepared for the co-delivery of antitumor agent pirarubicin (THP) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib (CXB) in the surgical incision, and the latter are used extensively in adjuvant chemotherapy for cancer. After injection, the IPG co-loaded with THP and CXB (THP-CXB-IPG) underwent spontaneous phase transition and formed a drug reservoir that fitted the irregular surgical incisions perfectly. In vitro drug release studies and in vivo pharmacokinetic analysis had demonstrated the sustained release behaviors of THP-CXB-IPG. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in mice that had undergone surgical resection of breast cancer, and the THP-CXB-IPG showed considerable inhibition of residual tumor growth after surgery and reduced the incidence of pulmonary metastasis. Moreover, it reduced the systemic toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, THP-CXB-IPG can be a promising candidate for preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis.

Dual-Targeting Macrophages and Hepatic Stellate Cells by Modified Albumin Nanoparticles for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment

Hepatic cirrhosis has become a global public health concern with high mortality and currently lacks effective clinical treatment methods. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the large number of macrophages infiltrating into the liver play a critical role in the development of liver cirrhosis. This study developed a novel modified nanoparticle system (SRF-CS-PSA NPs) in which Sorafenib (SRF) was encapsulated by palmitic acid-modified albumin (PSA) and further modified with chondroitin sulfate (CS). These modifications enabled the SRF-CS-PSA NPs to effectively target hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and macrophages. SRF-CS-PSA NPs showed uniform particle size distribution of approximately 120 nm and high loading efficiency of up to 99.5% and can be taken up by HSCs and macrophages via CD44 and SR-A receptors, respectively. In a mouse model of liver cirrhosis, SRF-CS-PSA NPs demonstrated superior targeting and inhibition of HSCs and macrophages, effectively reversing the process of liver cirrhosis. Overall, our study demonstrates the potential of SRF-CS-PSA NPs as a targeted therapy for liver cirrhosis, with promising clinical applications.

GP60 and SPARC as albumin receptors: key targeted sites for the delivery of antitumor drugs

Albumin is derived from human or animal blood, and its ability to bind to a large number of endogenous or exogenous biomolecules makes it an ideal drug carrier. As a result, albumin-based drug delivery systems are increasingly being studied. With these in mind, detailed studies of the transport mechanism of albumin-based drug carriers are particularly important. As albumin receptors, glycoprotein 60 (GP60) and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) play a crucial role in the delivery of albumin-based drug carriers. GP60 is expressed on vascular endothelial cells and enables albumin to cross the vascular endothelial cell layer, and SPARC is overexpressed in many types of tumor cells, while it is minimally expressed in normal tissue cells. Thus, this review supplements existing articles by detailing the research history and specific biological functions of GP60 or SPARC and research advances in the delivery of antitumor drugs using albumin as a carrier. Meanwhile, the deficiencies and future perspectives in the study of the interaction of albumin with GP60 and SPARC are also pointed out.

TME-Related Biomimetic Strategies Against Cancer

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in various stages of tumor generation, metastasis, and evasion of immune monitoring and treatment. TME targeted therapy is based on TME components, related pathways or active molecules as therapeutic targets. Therefore, TME targeted therapy based on environmental differences between TME and normal cells has been widely studied. Biomimetic nanocarriers with low clearance, low immunogenicity, and high targeting have enormous potential in tumor treatment. This review introduces the composition and characteristics of TME, including cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs), extracellular matrix (ECM), tumor blood vessels, non-tumor cells, and the latest research progress of biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) based on TME. It also discusses the opportunities and challenges of clinical transformation of biomimetic nanoparticles.

Thermoresponsive M1 macrophage-derived hybrid nanovesicles for improved in vivo tumor targeting

Despite the efforts and advances done in the last few decades, cancer still remains one of the main leading causes of death worldwide. Nanomedicine and in particular extracellular vesicles are one of the most potent tools to improve the effectiveness of anticancer therapies. In these attempts, the aim of this work is to realize a hybrid nanosystem through the fusion between the M1 macrophages-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs-M1) and thermoresponsive liposomes, in order to obtain a drug delivery system able to exploit the intrinsic tumor targeting capability of immune cells reflected on EVs and thermoresponsiveness of synthetic nanovesicles. The obtained nanocarrier has been physicochemically characterized, and the hybridization process has been validated by cytofluorimetric analysis, while the thermoresponsiveness was in vitro confirmed through the use of a fluorescent probe. Tumor targeting features of hybrid nanovesicles were in vivo investigated on melanoma-induced mice model monitoring the accumulation in tumor site through live imaging and confirmed by cytofluorimetric analysis, showing higher targeting properties of hybrid nanosystem compared to both liposomes and native EVs. These promising results confirmed the ability of this nanosystem to combine the advantages of both nanotechnologies, also highlighting their potential use as effective and safe personalized anticancer nanomedicine.

Targeted therapy of breast tumor by PLGA-based nanostructures: The versatile function in doxorubicin delivery

Breast carcinoma is a molecularly diverse illness, and it is among the most prominent and often reported malignancies in female across the globe. Surgical intervention, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and endocrine treatment are among the currently viable treatment options for the carcinoma of breast. Chemotherapy is among the most prevalent cancer management strategy. Doxorubicin (DOX) widely employed as a cytostatic medication for the treatment of a variety of malignancies. Despite its widespread acceptance and excellent efficacy against an extensive line up of neoplasia, it has a variety of shortcomings that limit its therapeutic potential in the previously mentioned indications. Employment of nanoparticulate systems has come up as a unique chemo medication delivery strategy and are being considerably explored for the amelioration of breast carcinoma. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based nano systems are being utilized in a number of areas within the medical research and medication delivery constitutes one of the primary functions for PLGA given their inherent physiochemical attributes, including their aqueous solubility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, versatility in formulation, and limited toxicity. Herein along with the different application of PLGA-based nano formulations in cancer therapy, the present review intends to describe the various research investigations that have been conducted to enumerate the effectiveness of DOX-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles (DOX-PLGA NPs) as a feasible treatment option for breast cancer.

Tumor-associated macrophages in nanomaterial-based anti-tumor therapy: as target spots or delivery platforms

Targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) has emerged as a promising approach in cancer therapy. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the field of nanomedicines targeting TAMs. According to the crucial role of TAMs in tumor progression, strategies to inhibit macrophage recruitment, suppress TAM survival, and transform TAM phenotypes are discussed as potential therapeutic avenues. To enhance the targeting capacity of nanomedicines, various approaches such as the use of ligands, immunoglobulins, and short peptides are explored. The utilization of live programmed macrophages, macrophage cell membrane-coated nanoparticles and macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles as drug delivery platforms is also highlighted, offering improved biocompatibility and prolonged circulation time. However, challenges remain in achieving precise targeting and controlled drug release. The heterogeneity of TAMs and the variability of surface markers pose hurdles in achieving specific recognition. Furthermore, the safety and clinical applicability of these nanomedicines requires further investigation. In conclusion, nanomedicines targeting TAMs hold great promise in cancer therapy, offering enhanced specificity and reduced side effects. Addressing the existing limitations and expanding our understanding of TAM biology will pave the way for the successful translation of these nano-therapies into clinical practice.

Scavenger receptor A-mediated nanoparticles target M1 macrophages for acute liver injury

Acute liver injury (ALI) has an elevated fatality rate due to untimely and ineffective treatment. Although, schisandrin B (SchB) has been extensively used to treat diverse liver diseases, its therapeutic efficacy on ALI was limited due to its high hydrophobicity. Palmitic acid-modified serum albumin (PSA) is not only an effective carrier for hydrophobic drugs, but also has a superb targeting effect via scavenger receptor-A (SR-A) on the M1 macrophages, which are potential therapeutic targets for ALI. Compared with the common macrophage-targeted delivery systems, PSA enables site-specific drug delivery to reduce off-target toxicity. Herein, we prepared SchB-PSA nanoparticles and further assessed their therapeutic effect on ALI. In vitro, compared with human serum albumin encapsulated SchB nanoparticles (SchB-HSA NPs), the SchB-PSA NPs exhibited more potent cytotoxicity on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated Raw264.7 (LAR) cells, and LAR cells took up PSA NPs 8.79 times more than HSA NPs. As expected, the PSA NPs also accumulated more in the liver. Moreover, SchB-PSA NPs dramatically reduced the activation of NF-κB signaling, and significantly relieved inflammatory response and hepatic necrosis. Notably, the high dose of SchB-PSA NPs improved the survival rate in 72 h of ALI mice to 75%. Hence, SchB-PSA NPs are promising to treat ALI.

Effective breast cancer therapy based on palmitic acid-loaded PLGA nanoparticles

Although new strategies for breast cancer treatment have yielded promising results, most drugs can lead to serious side effects when applied systemically. Doxorubicin (DOX), currently the most effective chemotherapeutic drug to treat breast cancer, is poorly selective towards tumor cells and treatment often leads to the development of drug resistance. Recent studies have indicated that several fatty acids (FAs) have beneficial effects on inhibiting tumorigenesis. The saturated FA palmitic acid (PA) showed anti-tumor activities in several types of cancer, as well as effective repolarization of M2 macrophages towards the anti-tumorigenic M1 phenotype. However, water insolubility and cellular impermeability limit the use of PA in vivo. To overcome these limitations, here, we encapsulated PA into a poly(d,l-lactic co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticle (NP) platform, alone and in combination with DOX, to explore PA's potential as mono or combinational breast cancer therapy. Our results showed that PLGA-PA-DOX NPs and PLGA-PA NPs significantly reduced the viability and migratory capacity of breast cancer cells in vitro. In vivo studies in mice bearing mammary tumors demonstrated that PLGA-PA-NPs were as effective in reducing primary tumor growth and metastasis as NPs loaded with DOX, PA and DOX, or free DOX. At the molecular level, PLGA-PA NPs reduced the expression of genes associated with multi-drug resistance and inhibition of apoptosis, and induced apoptosis via a caspase-3-independent pathway in breast cancer cells. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis of residual tumors showed a reduction in M2 macrophage content and infiltration of leukocytes after treatment of PLGA-PA NPs and PLGA-PA-DOX NPs, suggesting immunomodulatory properties of PA in the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, the use of PA alone or in combination with DOX may represent a promising novel strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.

Recent Advances on Surface-Modified GBM Targeted Nanoparticles: Targeting Strategies and Surface Characterization

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor, associated with low long-term survival. Nanoparticles (NPs) developed against GBM are a promising strategy to improve current therapies, by enhancing the brain delivery of active molecules and reducing off-target effects. In particular, NPs hold high potential for the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics both across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and specifically to GBM cell receptors, pathways, or the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, the most recent strategies to deliver drugs to GBM are explored. The main focus is on how surface functionalizations are essential for BBB crossing and for tumor specific targeting. We give a critical analysis of the various ligand-based approaches that have been used to target specific cancer cell receptors and the TME, or to interfere with the signaling pathways of GBM. Despite the increasing application of NPs in the clinical setting, new methods for ligand and surface characterization are needed to optimize the synthesis, as well as to predict their in vivo behavior. An expert opinion is given on the future of this research and what is still missing to create and characterize a functional NP system for improved GBM targeting.

The role of lipids in cancer progression and metastasis

Lipids have essential biological functions in the body (e.g., providing energy storage, acting as a signaling molecule, and being a structural component of membranes); however, an excess of lipids can promote tumorigenesis, colonization, and metastatic capacity of tumor cells. To metastasize, a tumor cell goes through different stages that require lipid-related metabolic and structural adaptations. These adaptations include altering the lipid membrane composition for invading other niches and overcoming cell death mechanisms and promoting lipid catabolism and anabolism for energy and oxidative stress protective purposes. Cancer cells also harness lipid metabolism to modulate the activity of stromal and immune cells to their advantage and to resist therapy and promote relapse. All this is especially worrying given the high fat intake in Western diets. Thus, metabolic interventions aiming to reduce lipid availability to cancer cells or to exacerbate their metabolic vulnerabilities provide promising therapeutic opportunities to prevent cancer progression and treat metastasis.