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Wang T, Yu T, Liu Q, Sung TC, Higuchi A. Lipid nanoparticle technology-mediated therapeutic gene manipulation in the eyes. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102236. [PMID: 39005878 PMCID: PMC11245926 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide have hereditary genetic disorders, trauma, infectious diseases, or cancer of the eyes, and many of these eye diseases lead to irreversible blindness, which is a major public health burden. The eye is a relatively small and immune-privileged organ. The use of nucleic acid-based drugs to manipulate malfunctioning genes that target the root of ocular diseases is regarded as a therapeutic approach with great promise. However, there are still some challenges for utilizing nucleic acid therapeutics in vivo because of certain unfavorable characteristics, such as instability, biological carrier-dependent cellular uptake, short pharmacokinetic profiles in vivo (RNA), and on-target and off-target side effects (DNA). The development of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as gene vehicles is revolutionary progress that has contributed the clinical application of nucleic acid therapeutics. LNPs have the capability to entrap and transport various genetic materials such as small interfering RNA, mRNA, DNA, and gene editing complexes. This opens up avenues for addressing ocular diseases through the suppression of pathogenic genes, the expression of therapeutic proteins, or the correction of genetic defects. Here, we delve into the cutting-edge LNP technology for ocular gene therapy, encompassing formulation designs, preclinical development, and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Tao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Tzu-Cheng Sung
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Akon Higuchi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, No. 300, Jhongda RD, Jhongli, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
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2
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Kachanov A, Kostyusheva A, Brezgin S, Karandashov I, Ponomareva N, Tikhonov A, Lukashev A, Pokrovsky V, Zamyatnin AA, Parodi A, Chulanov V, Kostyushev D. The menace of severe adverse events and deaths associated with viral gene therapy and its potential solution. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:2112-2193. [PMID: 38549260 DOI: 10.1002/med.22036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, in vivo gene replacement therapy has significantly advanced, resulting in market approval of numerous therapeutics predominantly relying on adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV). While viral vectors have undeniably addressed several critical healthcare challenges, their clinical application has unveiled a range of limitations and safety concerns. This review highlights the emerging challenges in the field of gene therapy. At first, we discuss both the role of biological barriers in viral gene therapy with a focus on AAVs, and review current landscape of in vivo human gene therapy. We delineate advantages and disadvantages of AAVs as gene delivery vehicles, mostly from the safety perspective (hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, inflammatory responses etc.), and outline the mechanisms of adverse events in response to AAV. Contribution of every aspect of AAV vectors (genomic structure, capsid proteins) and host responses to injected AAV is considered and substantiated by basic, translational and clinical studies. The updated evaluation of recent AAV clinical trials and current medical experience clearly shows the risks of AAVs that sometimes overshadow the hopes for curing a hereditary disease. At last, a set of established and new molecular and nanotechnology tools and approaches are provided as potential solutions for mitigating or eliminating side effects. The increasing number of severe adverse reactions and, sadly deaths, demands decisive actions to resolve the issue of immune responses and extremely high doses of viral vectors used for gene therapy. In response to these challenges, various strategies are under development, including approaches aimed at augmenting characteristics of viral vectors and others focused on creating secure and efficacious non-viral vectors. This comprehensive review offers an overarching perspective on the present state of gene therapy utilizing both viral and non-viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artyom Kachanov
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiya Kostyusheva
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Brezgin
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Ivan Karandashov
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Ponomareva
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Andrey Tikhonov
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Lukashev
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vadim Pokrovsky
- Laboratory of Biochemical Fundamentals of Pharmacology and Cancer Models, Blokhin Cancer Research Center, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biochemistry, People's Friendship University, Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Belozersky Research, Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alessandro Parodi
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- Faculty of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Kostyushev
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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3
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Cui L, Wang J, Orlando F, Giacconi R, Malavolta M, Bartozzi B, Galeazzi R, Giorgini G, Pesce L, Cardarelli F, Quagliarini E, Renzi S, Xiao S, Pozzi D, Provinciali M, Caracciolo G, Marchini C, Amici A. Enhancing Immune Responses against SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Aged Mice with INDUK: A Chimeric DNA Vaccine Encoding the Spike S1-TM Subunits. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:34624-34635. [PMID: 39157118 PMCID: PMC11325517 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Currently available vaccines against COVID-19 showed high efficacy against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 but progressively lower efficacy against new variants. In response to emerging SARS-CoV-2 strains, we propose chimeric DNA vaccines encoding the spike antigen, including a combination of selected key mutations from different variants of concern. We developed two DNA vaccines, pVAX-S1-TM-D614G and pVAX-S1-TM-INDUK (INDUK), encoding the SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike subunit in fusion with the transmembrane region that allows protein trimerization as predicted by in silico analysis. pVAX-S1-TM-D614G included the dominant D614G substitution, while the chimeric vaccine INDUK contained additional selected mutations from the Delta (E484Q and L452R) and Alpha (N501Y and A570D) variants. Considering that aging is a risk factor for severe disease and that suboptimal vaccine responses were observed in older individuals, the immunogenicity of pVAX-S1-TM-D614G and INDUK was tested in both young and aged C57BL/6 mice. Two vaccine doses were able to trigger significant anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody production, showing neutralizing activity. ELISA tests confirmed that antibodies induced by pVAX-S1-TM-D614G and INDUK were able to recognize both Wuhan Spike and Delta variant Spike as trimers, while neutralizing antibodies were detected by an ACE2:SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 inhibitor screening assay, designed to assess the capacity of antibodies to block the interaction between the viral spike S1 protein and the ACE2 receptor. Although antibody titer declined within six months, a third booster dose significantly increased the magnitude of humoral response, even in aged individuals, suggesting that immune recall can improve antibody response durability. The analysis of cellular responses demonstrated that vaccination with INDUK elicited an increase in the percentage of SARS-CoV-2-specific IFN-γ producing T lymphocytes in immunized young mice and TNF-α-producing T lymphocytes in both young and aged mice. These findings not only hold immediate promise for addressing evolving challenges in SARS-CoV-2 vaccination but also open avenues to refine strategies and elevate the effectiveness of next-generation vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishan Cui
- School
of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Junbiao Wang
- School
of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Fiorenza Orlando
- Experimental
Animal Models for Aging Unit, Scientific Technological Area, IRRCS INRCA, 60100 Ancona, Italy
| | - Robertina Giacconi
- Advanced
Technology Center for Aging Research, IRCCS
INRCA, 60100Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Malavolta
- Advanced
Technology Center for Aging Research, IRCCS
INRCA, 60100Ancona, Italy
| | - Beatrice Bartozzi
- Advanced
Technology Center for Aging Research, IRCCS
INRCA, 60100Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberta Galeazzi
- Department
of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche
Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giorgia Giorgini
- Department
of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche
Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Pesce
- NEST
Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Cardarelli
- NEST
Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Erica Quagliarini
- NanoDelivery
Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza
University of Rome, viale
Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Renzi
- NanoDelivery
Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza
University of Rome, viale
Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Siyao Xiao
- NanoDelivery
Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza
University of Rome, viale
Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pozzi
- NanoDelivery
Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza
University of Rome, viale
Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Provinciali
- Experimental
Animal Models for Aging Unit, Scientific Technological Area, IRRCS INRCA, 60100 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulio Caracciolo
- NanoDelivery
Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza
University of Rome, viale
Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Marchini
- School
of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Augusto Amici
- School
of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy
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4
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Cui L, Perini G, Augello A, Palmieri V, De Spirito M, Papi M. Plant-derived extracellular nanovesicles: a promising biomedical approach for effective targeting of triple negative breast cancer cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1390708. [PMID: 38952670 PMCID: PMC11215178 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1390708] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive subtype accounting for 15-20% of all breast cancer cases, faces limited treatment options often accompanied by severe side effects. In recent years, natural extracellular nanovesicles derived from plants have emerged as promising candidates for cancer therapy, given their safety profile marked by non-immunogenicity and absence of inflammatory responses. Nevertheless, the potential anti-cancer effects of Citrus limon L.-derived extracellular nanovesicles (CLENs) for breast cancer treatment is still unexplored. Methods: In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of CLENs on two TNBC cell lines (4T1 and HCC-1806 cells) under growth conditions in 2D and 3D culture environments. The cellular uptake efficiency of CLENs and their internalization mechanism were evaluated in both cells using confocal microscopy. Thereafter, we assessed the effect of different concentrations of CLENs on cell viability over time using a dual approach of Calcein-AM PI live-dead assay and CellTiter-Glo bioluminescence assay. We also examined the influence of CLENs on the migratory and evasion abilities of TNBC cells through wound healing and 3D Matrigel drop evasion assays. Furthermore, Western blot analysis was employed to investigate the effects of CLENs on the phosphorylation levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and extracellular signal- regulated kinase (ERK) expression. Results: We found that CLENs were internalized by the cells via endocytosis, leading to decreased cell viability, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, the migration and evasion abilities of TNBC cells were significantly inhibited under exposed to 40 and 80 μg/mL CLENs. Furthermore, down-regulated expression levels of phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), suggesting that the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration, and evasion is driven by the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. Discussion: Overall, our results demonstrate the anti-tumor efficiency of CLENs against TNBC cells, highlighting their potential as promising natural anti-cancer agents for clinical applications in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishan Cui
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giordano Perini
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Augello
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Palmieri
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi, Consiglio nazionale delle ricerche (C.N.R.), Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Spirito
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
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5
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Yuan Z, Yan R, Fu Z, Wu T, Ren C. Impact of physicochemical properties on biological effects of lipid nanoparticles: Are they completely safe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172240. [PMID: 38582114 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172240] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are promising materials and human-use approved excipients, with manifold applications in biomedicine. Researchers have tended to focus on improving the pharmacological efficiency and organ targeting of LNPs, while paid relatively less attention to the negative aspects created by their specific physicochemical properties. Here, we discuss the impacts of LNPs' physicochemical properties (size, surface hydrophobicity, surface charge, surface modification and lipid composition) on the adsorption-transportation-distribution-clearance processes and bio-nano interactions. In addition, since there is a lack of review emphasizing on toxicological profiles of LNPs, this review outlined immunogenicity, inflammation, hemolytic toxicity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by LNPs and the underlying mechanisms, with the aim to understand the properties that underlie the biological effects of these materials. This provides a basic strategy that increased efficacy of medical application with minimized side-effects can be achieved by modulating the physicochemical properties of LNPs. Therefore, addressing the effects of physicochemical properties on toxicity induced by LNPs is critical for understanding their environmental and health risks and will help clear the way for LNPs-based drugs to eventually fulfill their promise as a highly effective therapeutic agents for diverse diseases in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Yuan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruyu Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zuyi Fu
- College of Rehabilitation, Captital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Enze Biomass Fine Chemicals, College of New Materials and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Chaoxiu Ren
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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6
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Liao HC, Shen KY, Yang CH, Chiu FF, Chiang CY, Chai KM, Huang WC, Ho HM, Chen YH, Huang MS, Liao CL, Chen HW, Huang MH, Liu SJ. Lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated DNA vaccine robustly induce superior immune responses to the mRNA vaccine in Syrian hamsters. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101169. [PMID: 38187094 PMCID: PMC10767207 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101169] [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] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
DNA vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer have been explored for years. To date, only one DNA vaccine (ZyCoV-D) has been authorized for emergency use in India. DNA vaccines are inexpensive and long-term thermostable, however, limited by the low efficiency of intracellular delivery. The recent success of mRNA/lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has opened a new application for nucleic acid-based vaccines. Here, we report that plasmid encoding a trimeric spike protein with LNP delivery (pTS/LNP), similar to those in Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, induced more effective humoral responses than naked pTS or pTS delivered via electroporation. Compared with TSmRNA/LNP, pTS/LNP immunization induced a comparable level of neutralizing antibody titers and significant T helper 1-biased immunity in mice; it also prolonged the maintenance of higher antigen-specific IgG and neutralizing antibody titers in hamsters. Importantly, pTS/LNP immunization exhibits enhanced cross-neutralizing activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants and protects hamsters from the challenge of SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan strain and the Omicron BA.1 variant). This study indicates that pDNA/LNPs as a promising platform could be a next-generation vaccine technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chun Liao
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Shen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsiang Yang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Feng Chiu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yi Chiang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Kit Man Chai
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chun Huang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Min Ho
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Min-Syuan Huang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Len Liao
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Wei Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsi Huang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Liu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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7
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Pozzi D, Caracciolo G. Looking Back, Moving Forward: Lipid Nanoparticles as a Promising Frontier in Gene Delivery. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1561-1573. [PMID: 37974625 PMCID: PMC10644400 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown remarkable success in delivering genetic materials like COVID-19 LNP vaccines, such as mRNA-1273/SpikeVax by Moderna and BNT162b2/Comirnaty by BioNTech/Pfizer, as well as siRNA for rare inherited diseases, such as Onpattro from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. These LNPs are advantageous since they minimize side effects, target specific cells, and regulate payload delivery. There has been a surge of interest in these particles due to their success stories; however, we still do not know much about how they work. This perspective will recapitulate the evolution of lipid-based gene delivery, starting with Felgner's pioneering 1987 PNAS paper, which introduced the initial DNA-transfection method utilizing a synthetic cationic lipid. Our journey takes us to the early 2020s, a time when advancements in bionano interactions enabled us to create biomimetic lipoplexes characterized by a remarkable ability to evade capture by immune cells in vivo. Through this overview, we propose leveraging previous achievements to assist us in formulating improved research goals when optimizing LNPs for medical conditions such as infectious diseases, cancer, and heritable disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pozzi
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department
of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University
of Rome, Viale Regina
Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Caracciolo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department
of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University
of Rome, Viale Regina
Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
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8
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Digiacomo L, Renzi S, Quagliarini E, Pozzi D, Amenitsch H, Ferri G, Pesce L, De Lorenzi V, Matteoli G, Cardarelli F, Caracciolo G. Investigating the mechanism of action of DNA-loaded PEGylated lipid nanoparticles. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 53:102697. [PMID: 37507061 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
PEGylated lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are commonly used to deliver bioactive molecules, but the role of PEGylation in DNA-loaded LNP interactions at the cellular and subcellular levels remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action of DNA-loaded PEGylated LNPs using gene reporter technologies, dynamic light scattering (DLS), synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCS). We found that PEG has no significant impact on the size or nanostructure of DNA LNPs but reduces their zeta potential and interaction with anionic cell membranes. PEGylation increases the structural stability of LNPs and results in lower DNA unloading. FCS experiments revealed that PEGylated LNPs are internalized intact inside cells and largely shuttled to lysosomes, while unPEGylated LNPs undergo massive destabilization on the plasma membrane. These findings can inform the design, optimization, and validation of DNA-loaded LNPs for gene delivery and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Digiacomo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Renzi
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Quagliarini
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pozzi
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Heinz Amenitsch
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Gianmarco Ferri
- Laboratorio NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Pesce
- Laboratorio NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Matteoli
- Laboratorio NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Caracciolo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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9
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Duan W, Hang L, Ma Y, Wang Q, Tang X, Jiang W, Wu Y, Lv W, Wang Y. Compartmentalized Nano-MOFs as Co-delivery Systems for Enhanced Antitumor Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:39039-39052. [PMID: 37552806 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c04296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic bioactive macromolecules hold great promise in cancer therapy, but challenges such as low encapsulation efficiency and susceptibility to inactivation during the targeted co-delivery hinder their widespread applications. Compartmentalized nano-metal-organic frameworks (nMOFs) can easily load macromolecules in the innermost layer, protect them from the outside environment, and selectively release them in the target location after stimulation, showing great potential in the co-delivery of biomacromolecules. Herein, the rationally designed (GOx + CAT)/ZIF-8@BSATPZ/ZIF-8 (named GCZ@BTZ) nMOFs with compartmentalized structures are employed to deliver cascaded enzymes and the chemotherapeutic drug tirapazamine (TPZ)-conjugated bovine serum albumin (BSATPZ). Benefiting from the compartmentalized structure and protective shell, the GCZ@BTZ system is stable during blood circulation and preferentially accumulates in the tumor. Furthermore, in response to the acidic tumor environment, GCZ@BTZ effectively released the loading enzymes and BSATPZ. Along with the tumor starvation caused by depletion of glucose, cascaded reactions could also contribute to the enhancement of tumor hypoxia, which further activated BSATPZ-based chemotherapy. Notably, in the mouse tumor models, GCZ@BTZ treatment significantly inhibits tumor survival and metastasis. Such a compartmentalized nMOF delivery system presents a promising avenue for the efficient delivery of bioactive macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Duan
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Lifeng Hang
- The Department of Medical Imaging, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 518037, China
| | - Yinchu Ma
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, WuXi 214122, China
| | - Qin Wang
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Xinfeng Tang
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Intelligent Nanomedicine Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Weifu Lv
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yucai Wang
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, P. R. China
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