Powerful Anticolon Tumor Effect of Targeted Gene Immunotherapy Using Folate-Modified Nanoparticle Delivery of CCL19 To Activate the Immune System

Inflammatory cytokines and carpal tunnel syndrome: A causal relationship revealed

OBJECTIVES

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and certain inflammatory cytokines have been linked in observational studies; however, the exact causative linkages remain unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate any possible link between the onset of CTS and 91 inflammatory cytokines.

METHODS

A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was used in this investigation. 91 circulating inflammatory cytokines' genetic variants were retrieved from the European ancestry genome-wide association study (GWAS) database. From germline GWAS, summary data for 24,766 CTS patients and 360,538 controls were gathered. The instrumental variables were single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were highly correlated with the 91 inflammatory cytokines. The random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach was employed in the primary analysis, and multiple comparisons were subjected to the Bonferroni correction. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the validity of the causal relationship.

RESULTS

Our findings showed a negative correlation between CCL19, FGF-19, IL-5, TGF-alpha, TRAIL, and the risk of CTS. Specifically, CCL19 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.944, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.894-0.996, p = 0.0349), FGF-19 (OR: 0.940, 95 % CI: 0.894-0.987, p = 0.0133), IL-5 (OR: 0.936, 95 % CI: 0.885-0.990, p = 0.0212), TGF-alpha (OR: 0.902, 95 % CI: 0.838-0.970, p = 0.0057), and TRAIL (OR: 0.926, 95 % CI: 0.881-0.974, p = 0.0026) were inversely related to CTS risk. Conversely, CCL20, IL-2RB, and IL-6 were positively associated with an increased risk of CTS. Specifically, CCL20 (OR: 1.072, 95 % CI: 1.005-1.142, p = 0.0334), IL-2RB (OR: 1.067, 95 % CI: 1.001-1.137, p = 0.0463), and IL-6 (OR: 1.088, 95 % CI: 1.005-1.177, p = 0.0365) were positively correlated with CTS risk. Reverse Mendelian randomization analyses indicated no evidence of a reverse causal relationship between CTS and inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSION

According to this study, there is a causal link between CTS and certain inflammatory cytokines, which suggests that these cytokines may be important in the pathophysiology of CTS. To confirm these results and investigate the specific function of these cytokines in the beginning and development of CTS, more investigation is necessary.

Immunostimulatory CKb11 gene combined with immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1 blockade activates immune response and simultaneously overcomes the immunosuppression of cancer

Immunosuppression tumor microenvironment (TME) seriously impedes anti-tumor immune response, resulting in poor immunotherapy effect of cancer. This study develops a folate-modified delivery system to transport the plasmids encoding immune stimulatory chemokine CKb11 and PD-L1 inhibitors to tumor cells, resulting in high CKb11 secretion from tumor cells, successfully activating immune cells and increasing cytokine secretion to reshape the TME, and ultimately delaying tumor progression. The chemokine CKb11 enhances the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy by increasing the infiltration of immune cells in TME. It can cause high expression of IFN-γ, which is a double-edged sword that inhibits tumor growth while causing an increase in the expression of PD-L1 on tumor cells. Therefore, combining CKb11 with PD-L1 inhibitors can counterbalance the suppressive impact of PD-L1 on anti-cancer defense, leading to a collaborative anti-tumor outcome. Thus, utilizing nanotechnology to achieve targeted delivery of immune stimulatory chemokines and immune checkpoint inhibitors to tumor sites, thereby reshaping immunosuppressive TME for cancer treatment, has great potential as an immunogene therapy in clinical applications.

[Assessment of baseline CCL19+ dendritic cell infiltration for predicting responses to immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the correlation of baseline CCL19+ dendritic cell (CCL19+ DC) infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma microenvironment with immunotherapy efficacy and CD8+ T cell infiltration.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with lung adenocarcinoma hospitalized at First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology from January, 2020 to December, 2023, and collected tissue samples from 96 patients undergoing immunotherapy for assessing CCL19+ DC and CD8+ T cell infiltration using immunofluorescence assay. We evaluated the predictive value of baseline CCL19+ DCs for patient responses to immunotherapy using receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves and analyzed the correlations of baseline CCL19+ DC expression with immunotherapy efficacy and CD8+ T cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) infiltrations. In co-culture systems of lung adenocarcinoma PC9 cells, CD8+ T cells and DCs (overexpressing CCL19 with or without anti PD-1 antibody treatment), the expressions of granzyme B, perforin, IFN-γ, and Ki-67 in T cells were analyzed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The patients with partial or complete remission following immunotherapy had a significantly higher baseline CCL19+ DC infiltration level in lung adenocarcinoma tissues than those with poor responses. CCL19+ DC infiltration had an area under ROC curve of 0.785, a sensitivity of 75.6%, and a specificity of 62.8% for predicting immunotherapy efficacy. The expression of CD8+ T cell surface molecules Granzyme B (P<0.01), Perforin (P<0.01), IFN-γ (P<0.01) and Ki-67 (P<0.001) in patients with high expression of CCL19+ DC were higher than those in patients with low expression of CCL19+ DC. The baseline CCL19+ DC infiltration level was positively correlated with immunotherapy efficacy (P=0.003), CTL infiltration of (r=0.6657, P<0.001) and CD8+ T cell infiltration (P=0.007). In the co-cultured cells, CCL19 overexpression combined with anti-PD1 treatment of the DCs more strongly enhanced cytotoxicity and proliferation of CD8+ T lymphocytes than either of the single treatments (P<0.01 or 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The baseline CCL19+ DC infiltration level in lung adenocarcinoma microenvironment is positively correlated with immunotherapy efficacy and CTL infiltration and can thus predict the response to immunotherapy.

Current advance of nanotechnology in diagnosis and treatment for malignant tumors

Cancer remains a significant risk to human health. Nanomedicine is a new multidisciplinary field that is garnering a lot of interest and investigation. Nanomedicine shows great potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Specifically engineered nanoparticles can be employed as contrast agents in cancer diagnostics to enable high sensitivity and high-resolution tumor detection by imaging examinations. Novel approaches for tumor labeling and detection are also made possible by the use of nanoprobes and nanobiosensors. The achievement of targeted medication delivery in cancer therapy can be accomplished through the rational design and manufacture of nanodrug carriers. Nanoparticles have the capability to effectively transport medications or gene fragments to tumor tissues via passive or active targeting processes, thus enhancing treatment outcomes while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Simultaneously, nanoparticles can be employed in the context of radiation sensitization and photothermal therapy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of malignant tumors. This review presents a literature overview and summary of how nanotechnology is used in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. According to oncological diseases originating from different systems of the body and combining the pathophysiological features of cancers at different sites, we review the most recent developments in nanotechnology applications. Finally, we briefly discuss the prospects and challenges of nanotechnology in cancer.

Interactions between circulating inflammatory factors and autism spectrum disorder: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study in European population

Background

Extensive observational studies have reported an association between inflammatory factors and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but their causal relationships remain unclear. This study aims to offer deeper insight into causal relationships between circulating inflammatory factors and ASD.

Methods

Two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method was used in this study. The genetic variation of 91 circulating inflammatory factors was obtained from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) database of European ancestry. The germline GWAS summary data for ASD were also obtained (18,381 ASD cases and 27,969 controls). Single nucleotide polymorphisms robustly associated with the 91 inflammatory factors were used as instrumental variables. The random-effects inverse-variance weighted method was used as the primary analysis, and the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was applied. Sensitivity tests were carried out to assess the validity of the causal relationship.

Results

The forward MR analysis results suggest that levels of sulfotransferase 1A1, natural killer cell receptor 2B4, T-cell surface glycoprotein CD5, Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand are positively associated with the occurrence of ASD, while levels of interleukin-7, interleukin-2 receptor subunit beta, and interleukin-2 are inversely associated with the occurrence of ASD. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase-10, caspase 8, tumor necrosis factor-related activation-induced cytokine, and C-C motif chemokine 19 were considered downstream consequences of ASD.

Conclusion

This MR study identified additional inflammatory factors in patients with ASD relative to previous studies, and raised a possibility of ASD-caused immune abnormalities. These identified inflammatory factors may be potential biomarkers of immunologic dysfunction in ASD.

Genetically light-enhanced immunotherapy mediated by a fluorinated reduction-sensitive delivery system

The lack of safe and efficient therapeutic agent delivery platforms restricts combined therapy's effect, and combined cancer therapy's multi-component delivery effect needs improvement. The novel gene delivery system SS-HPT-F/pMIP-3β-KR was proposed to construct fluorine-containing degradable cationic polymers SS-HPT-F by a mild and simple amino-epoxy ring-opening reaction. By modifying the fluorinated alkyl chain, the delivery efficiency of the plasmid was greatly improved, and the cytoplasmic transport of biomolecules was completed. At the same time, a combination plasmid (MIP-3β-KillerRed) was innovatively designed for the independent expression of immune and photodynamic proteins. Which was efficiently transported to the tumor site by SS-HPT-F. The MIP-3β is expressed as an immune chemokine realize the immune mobilization behavior. The photosensitive protein KillerRed expressed in the tumor killed cancer cells under irradiation and released the exocrine immune factor MIP-3β. The immunogenic cell death (ICD) produced by photodynamic therapy (PDT) also induced the immune response of the organism. The synergistic effect of PDT and MIP-3β mobilized the immune properties of the organism, providing light-enhanced immune combination therapy against malignant tumors. Therefore, in subcutaneous tumor-bearing and metastatic animal models, the carrier tumor growth and mobilize organism produce an immune response without systemic toxicity. This work reports the first efficient gene delivery system that achieves light-enhanced immunotherapy.

Suicide gene delivery by morphology-adaptable enantiomeric peptide assemblies for combined ovarian cancer therapy

Suicide gene therapy is a promising therapeutic model for ovarian cancer (OC), while suffering from poor gene delivery and limited therapeutic efficacy. To address this concern, here we reported the GSH-responsive morphology-transformable enantiomeric peptide assemblies as delivering vehicles for suicide genes and co-delivery of paclitaxel (PTX). Connecting a lipid-like amphiphile and a hydrophilic arginine segment through disulfide bonds led to the enantiomeric peptides. The enantiomeric peptide assemblies are able to simultaneously uptake plasmid DNA (pDNA) and PTX based on electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The resulting co-assemblies underwent GSH-responsive disulfide cleavage and thereby promoting their assembly from nanoparticles to nanofibers, leading to the co-release of pDNA and PTX. Cellular and animal studies confirmed the co-delivery of pDNA and PTX into OC cells and the cell apoptosis by the enantiomeric peptides. In addition, in vitro and in vivo experiments supported the advanced uptake and cytotoxicity for L-type peptide vehicles by OC cells, and their great potential for OC-imaging, growth-inhibition and apoptosis-induction compared to D-counterpart. Our results demonstrate that the GSH-responsive morphology-transformable chiral peptide assemblies accurately and simultaneously release suicide genes and chemodrugs at tumor sites, thus providing a new strategy for the development of delivering vehicles for suicide gene and establishment of new therapeutic models for ovarian cancer. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Appropriate delivery carriers are essential for the clinical translation of cancer gene therapy, including the emerging suicide gene therapy. By combining the advantages of morphological transformable vehicles with the chirality peptides towards their bioactivity, we developed the GSH-responsive morphology-transformable enantiomeric peptide assemblies as delivering vehicles for suicide genes and co-delivery of paclitaxel. The GSH-responsive assembly of the enantiomeric peptides allows for precise release of plasmid DNA and paclitaxel in cancer cells, and promotes the formation of nanofibrils that facilitate gene entering nuclei for transfection. The enantiomeric peptide-based vehicles show the chirality-dependent capability for inducing cell apoptosis and inhibiting tumor growth. Our findings demonstrate a new strategy for developing therapeutic models for ovarian cancer.

Epigenetic targets to enhance antitumor immune response through the induction of tertiary lymphoid structures

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid aggregates found in sites of chronic inflammation such as tumors and autoimmune diseases. The discovery that TLS formation at tumor sites correlated with good patient prognosis has triggered extensive research into various techniques to induce their formation at the tumor microenvironment (TME). One strategy is the exogenous induction of specific cytokines and chemokine expression in murine models. However, applying such systemic chemokine expression can result in significant toxicity and damage to healthy tissues. Also, the TLS formed from exogenous chemokine induction is heterogeneous and different from the ones associated with favorable prognosis. Therefore, there is a need to optimize additional approaches like immune cell engineering with lentiviral transduction to improve the TLS formation in vivo. Similarly, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of the different phases of TLS neogenesis are still unknown. Understanding these molecular regulations could help identify novel targets to induce tissue-specific TLS in the TME. This review offers a unique insight into the molecular checkpoints of the different stages and mechanisms involved in TLS formation. This review also highlights potential epigenetic targets to induce TLS neogenesis. The review further explores epigenetic therapies (epi-therapy) and ongoing clinical trials using epi-therapy in cancers. In addition, it builds upon the current knowledge of tools to generate TLS and TLS phenotyping biomarkers with predictive and prognostic clinical potential.

Macrophage Inflammatory Proteins (MIPs) Contribute to Malignant Potential of Colorectal Polyps and Modulate Likelihood of Cancerization Associated with Standard Risk Factors

Better understanding of molecular changes leading to neoplastic transformation is prerequisite to optimize risk assessment and chemopreventive and surveillance strategies. Data on macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIPs) in colorectal carcinogenesis are scanty and their clinical relevance remains unknown. Therefore, transcript and protein expression of CCL3, CCL4, CXCL2, and CCL19 were determined in 173 and 62 patients, respectively, using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry with reference to polyps' characteristics. The likelihood of malignancy was modeled using probit regression. With the increasing malignancy potential of hyperplastic-tubular-tubulo-villous-villous polyps, the expression of CCL3, CCL4, and CCL19 in lesions decreased. CCL19 expression decreased also in normal mucosa while that of CXCL2 increased. Likewise, lesion CCL3 and lesion and normal mucosa CCL19 decreased and normal CXCL2 increased along the hyperplasia-low-high dysplasia grade. The bigger the lesion, the lower CCL3 and higher CXCL2 in normal mucosa. Singular polyps had higher CCL3, CCL4, and CCL19 levels in normal mucosa. CCL3, CCL4 and CXCL2 modulated the likelihood of malignancy associated with traditional risk factors. There was no correlation between the protein and mRNA expression of CCL3 and CCL19. In summary, the polyp-adjacent mucosa contributes to gaining potential for malignancy by polyps. MIPs may help in specifying cancerization probability estimated based on standard risk factors.

Chemokine- and chemokine receptor-based signature predicts immunotherapy response in female colorectal adenocarcinoma patients

The clinical significance and comprehensive characteristics of chemokines and chemokine receptors in female patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma have not ever been reported. Our study explored the expression profiles of chemokines and chemokine receptors and constructed a chemokine- and chemokine receptor-based signature in female patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma. Four independent cohorts containing 1335 patients were enrolled in our study. Univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses were performed to construct the signature. CIBERSORT was used to evaluate the landscape of immune cell infiltration. Thirty-two pairs of tissue specimens of female advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and two CRC cell lines were used to validate the signature in vitro. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to validate the mRNA and protein expression levels of signature genes. EdU and colony formation assays were performed to examine proliferative ability. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to evaluate cell invasion and migration capacity. During the signature construction and validation process, we found that the signature was more applicable to female patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma. Hence, the subsequent study mainly focused on the particular subgroup. Enrichment analyses revealed that the signature was closely related to immunity. The landscape of immune cell infiltration presented that the signature was significantly associated with T cells CD8 and neutrophils. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) confirmed that the high-risk group was chiefly enriched in the tumor-promoting related pathways and biological processes, whereas the low-risk group was mainly enriched in anti-tumor immune response pathways and biological processes. The signature was closely correlated with CTLA4, PDL1, PDL2, TMB, MSI, and TIDE, indicating that our signature could serve as a robust biomarker for immunotherapy and chemotherapy response. ROC curves verified that our signature had more robust prognostic power than all immune checkpoints and immunotherapy-related biomarkers. Finally, we used 32 pairs of tissue specimens and 2 CRC cell lines to validate our signature in vitro. We first provided a robust prognostic chemokine- and chemokine receptor-based signature, which could serve as a novel biomarker for immunotherapy and chemotherapy response to guide individualized treatment for female patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma.

CCL19: a novel prognostic chemokine modulates the tumor immune microenvironment and outcomes of cancers

BACKGROUND

CCL19 is a chemokine involved in cancer research due to its important role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and clinical relevance in cancers. This study aimed to analyze transcription expression, genomic alteration, association with tumor immune microenvironment of CCL19 expression and its prediction value for prognosis and responses to immunotherapy for patients with cancers.

METHODS

RNA sequencing data and corresponding clinicopathological information of a total of large-scale cancer patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) was implemented to identify differential infiltration of Treg, CD8+ T cells, and tumor-associated macrophages, while CCL19 immunohistochemistry was conducted on 182 breast cancer samples from a real-world cohort.

RESULTS

Based on large-scale multi-center survival analysis of cancer patients, we found the prognosis of patients with high CCL19 expression was prominently better than those with low CCL19 expression. For patients from multiple independent cohorts, suppressed CCL19 expression exerts significant progressive phenotype and apoptosis activity of cancers, especially in breast and ovarian cancer. Interestingly, anti-tumor immune cells, specifically the CD8+ T cells and macrophages, were clustered from TME by elevated CCL19 expression. Additionally, higher CCL19 levels reflected heightened immune activity and substantial heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our findings support the notion that elevated CCL19 expression is linked to favorable outcomes and enhanced anti-tumor immunity, characterized by increased CD8+ T cells within the TME. This suggests the potential of CCL19 as a prognostic marker, predictive biomarker for immunotherapy, therapeutic target of cancers.

Engineering metal-based hydrogel-mediated tertiary lymphoid structure formation via activation of the STING pathway for enhanced immunotherapy

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) primarily constructed by multiple immune cells can effectively enhance tumor immune responses, but expediting the formation of TLSs is still an enormous challenge. Herein, a stimulator of interferon gene (STING)-activating hydrogel (ZCCG) was elaborately developed by coordinating Zn2+ with 4,5-imidazole dicarboxylic acid, and simultaneously integrating chitosan (a stimulant of STING pathway activation) and CpG (an agonist of toll-like receptor 9, TLR9) for initiating and activating cGAS-STING and TLR9 pathway-mediated immunotherapy. Moreover, the dual-pathway activation could effectively enhance the infiltration of immune cells and the expression of lymphocyte-recruiting chemokines in the tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby promoting the formation of TLSs and further strengthening tumoricidal immunity. Local administration of the hydrogel could prime systemic immune responses and long-term immune memory and improve the therapeutic effects of programmed death-1 antibody (αPD-1) to inhibit tumor progression, metastasis and recurrence. The engineered hydrogel lays the foundation for tumor immunotherapy strategies based on the enhanced formation of TLSs via the activation of the cGAS-STING and TLR9 pathways.

A novel self-assembled nanoplatform based on retrofitting poloxamer 188 for triple-negative breast cancer targeting treatment

Poloxamer 188 is a widely used pharmaceutical excipient, which can be found in a variety of drug formulations. In this study, a novel self-assembled nanoplatform was developed for active targeting of folate receptor-overexpressing triple-negative breast cancer. This platform, FPP NPs, was prepared by the retrofitted poloxamer 188 derivatives, resulting in nanoparticles with an appropriate size (< 100 nm), good stability, and satisfactory biocompatibility. Cellular uptake and in vivo distribution studies showed that the FPP NPs had strong tumor cell uptake and active targeting capabilities. Furthermore, docetaxel (DTX) was loaded into FPP NPs in this research. The resulting DTX/FPP NPs exhibited high drug encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity, and could rapidly release DTX under slightly acidic conditions, significantly increasing the antitumor activity of the encapsulated drug both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, DTX/FPP NPs could significantly decrease the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of DTX. Therefore, this drug delivery nanoplatform, based on retrofitted poloxamer 188 with self-assembly properties in aqueous solution and active targeting capabilities to tumors, may provide a promising approach for targeted treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.

CCL19+ dendritic cells potentiate clinical benefit of anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The extensive involvement of dendritic cells (DCs) in immune contexture indicates their potent value in cancer immunotherapy. Understanding DC diversity in patient cohorts may strengthen the clinical benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

METHODS

Single-cell profiling of breast tumors from two clinical trials was performed to investigate DC heterogeneity. Multiomics, tissue characterization, and pre-clinical experiments were used to evaluate the role of the identified DCs in the tumor microenvironment. Four independent clinical trials were leveraged to explore biomarkers to predict ICI and chemotherapy outcomes.

FINDINGS

We identified a distinct CCL19-expressing functional state of DCs associated with favorable responses to anti-programmed death (ligand)-1 (PD-(L)1), which displayed migratory and immunomodulatory phenotypes. These cells were correlated with antitumor T cell immunity and the presence of tertiary lymphoid structures and lymphoid aggregates, defining immunogenic microenvironments in triple-negative breast cancer. In vivo, CCL19⁺ DC deletion by Ccl19 gene ablation dampened CCR7⁺CD8⁺ T cells and tumor elimination in response to anti-PD-1. Notably, high circulating and intratumoral CCL19 levels were associated with superior response and survival in patients receiving anti-PD-1 but not chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

We uncovered a critical role of DC subsets in immunotherapy, which has implications for designing novel therapies and patient stratification strategies.

FUNDING

This study was funded by the National Key Research and Development Project of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Program of Shanghai Academic/Technology Research Leader, the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, the Shanghai Hospital Development Center (SHDC), and the Shanghai Health Commission.

Strategy and application of manipulating DCs chemotaxis in disease treatment and vaccine design

As the most versatile antigen-presenting cells (APCs), dendritic cells (DCs) function as the cardinal commanders in orchestrating innate and adaptive immunity for either eliciting protective immune responses against canceration and microbial invasion or maintaining immune homeostasis/tolerance. In fact, in physiological or pathological conditions, the diversified migratory patterns and exquisite chemotaxis of DCs, prominently manipulate their biological activities in both secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) as well as homeostatic/inflammatory peripheral tissues in vivo. Thus, the inherent mechanisms or regulation strategies to modulate the directional migration of DCs even could be regarded as the crucial cartographers of the immune system. Herein, we systemically reviewed the existing mechanistic understandings and regulation measures of trafficking both endogenous DC subtypes and reinfused DCs vaccines towards either SLOs or inflammatory foci (including neoplastic lesions, infections, acute/chronic tissue inflammations, autoimmune diseases and graft sites). Furthermore, we briefly introduced the DCs-participated prophylactic and therapeutic clinical application against disparate diseases, and also provided insights into the future clinical immunotherapies development as well as the vaccines design associated with modulating DCs mobilization modes.

A novel cascaded energy conversion system inducing efficient and precise cancer therapy

Cancer therapies based on energy conversion, such as photothermal therapy (PTT, light-to-thermal energy conversion) and photodynamic therapy (PDT, light-to-chemical energy conversion) have attracted extensive attention in preclinical research. However, the PTT-related hyperthermia damage to surrounding tissues and shallow penetration of PDT-applied light prevent further advanced clinical practices. Here, we developed a thermoelectric therapy (TET) based on thermoelectric materials constructed p-n heterojunction (SrTiO3/Cu2Se nanoplates) on the principle of light-thermal-electricity-chemical energy conversion. Upon irradiation and natural cooling-induced the temperature gradient (35-45 oC), a self-build-in electric field was constructed and thereby facilitated charges separation in bulk SrTiO3 and Cu2Se. Importantly, the contact between SrTiO3 (n type) and Cu2Se (p type) constructed another interfacial electric field, further guiding the separated charges to re-locate onto the surfaces of SrTiO3 and Cu2Se. The formation of two electric fields minimized probability of charges recombination. Of note, high-performance superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals' generation from O2 and H2O under catalyzation by separated electrons and holes, led to intracellular ROS burst and cancer cells apoptosis without apparent damage to surrounding tissues. Construction of bulk and interfacial electric fields in heterojunction for improving charges separation and transfer is also expected to provide a robust strategy for diverse applications.

Brd4 proteolysis-targeting chimera nanoparticles sensitized colorectal cancer chemotherapy

Bromodomain-Containing Protein 4 (BRD4) is a member of the BET family of bromodomains, which participates in gene transcription process and is closely related to tumor progression. We observed the up-regulated expression of BRD4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) after doxorubicin (DOX) treatment, which might be a potential mechanism for DOX resistance. This study constructed the tumor-targeting (cyclo (Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Lys)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)) (cRGD-PEG-PCL) copolymer for co-delivery of DOX and BRD4 PROTAC degrader ARV-825 (ARV-DOX/cRGD-P) for CRC treatment. The ARV-DOX/cRGD-P complexes elicited synergistic anti-tumor effect via cell cycle arrest and the increased cell apoptosis, and mechanism studies implicated the regulation of proliferation- and apoptosis-related pathways in vitro. Moreover, the administration of ARV-DOX/cRGD-P significantly improved anti-tumor activity in subcutaneous colorectal tumors and colorectal intraperitoneal disseminated tumor models in mice by promoting tumor apoptosis, suppressing tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. Taken together, these data reveal that ARV-825 can heighten DOX sensitivity in CRC treatment and BRD4 is a potential therapeutic target for DOX-resistant CRC. The ARV-DOX/cRGD-P preparations have outstanding anti-cancer effects and may be used for clinical treatment of colorectal cancer in the future.

The anti-tumor and renoprotection study of E-[c(RGDfK)2]/folic acid co-modified nanostructured lipid carrier loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride/salvianolic acid A

Background

Poor in vivo targeting of tumors by chemotherapeutic drugs reduces their anti-cancer efficacy in the clinic. The discovery of over-expressed components on the tumor cell surface and their specific ligands provide a basis for targeting tumor cells. However, the differences in the expression levels of these receptors on the tumor cell surface limit the clinical application of anti-tumor preparations modified by a single ligand. Meanwhile, toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs leads to poor tolerance to anti-tumor therapy. The discovery of natural active products antagonizing these toxic side effects offers an avenue for relieving cancer patients’ pain during the treatment process. Since the advent of nanotechnology, interventions, such as loading appropriate drug combinations into nano-sized carriers and multiple tumor-targeting functional modifications on the carrier surface to enhance the anti-tumor effect and reduce toxic and side effects, have been widely used for treating tumors.

Results

Nanocarriers containing doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and salvianolic acid A (Sal A) are spherical with a diameter of about 18 nm; the encapsulation efficiency of both DOX and salvianolic acid A is greater than 80%. E-[c(RGDfK)2]/folic acid (FA) co-modification enabled nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) to efficiently target a variety of tumor cells, including 4T1, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and A549 cells in vitro. Compared with other preparations (Sal A solution, NLC-Sal A, DOX solution, DOX injection, Sal A/DOX solution, NLC-DOX, NLC-Sal A/DOX, and E-[c(RGDfK)2]/FA-NLC-Sal A/DOX) in this experiment, the prepared E-[c(RGDfK)2]/FA-NLC-Sal A/DOX had the best anti-tumor effect. Compared with the normal saline group, it had the highest tumor volume inhibition rate (90.72%), the highest tumor weight inhibition rate (83.94%), led to the highest proportion of apoptosis among the tumor cells (61.30%) and the lowest fluorescence intensity of proliferation among the tumor cells (0.0083 ± 0.0011). Moreover, E-[c(RGDfK)2]/FA-NLC-Sal A/DOX had a low level of nephrotoxicity, with a low creatinine (Cre) concentration of 52.58 μmoL/L in the blood of mice, and no abnormalities were seen on pathological examination of the isolated kidneys at the end of the study. Sal A can antagonize the nephrotoxic effect of DOX. Free Sal A reduced the Cre concentration of the free DOX group by 61.64%. In NLC groups, Sal A reduced the Cre concentration of the DOX group by 42.47%. The E-[c(RGDfK)2]/FA modification reduced the side effects of the drug on the kidney, and the Cre concentration was reduced by 46.35% compared with the NLC-Sal A/DOX group. These interventions can potentially improve the tolerance of cancer patients to chemotherapy.

Conclusion

The E-[c(RGDfK)2]/FA co-modified DOX/Sal A multifunctional nano-drug delivery system has a good therapeutic effect on tumors and low nephrotoxicity and is a promising anti-cancer strategy.

Graphical Abstract

CCL19 has potential to be a potential prognostic biomarker and a modulator of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of breast cancer: a comprehensive analysis based on TCGA database

The development of cancer was determined by not only the intrinsic properties of cancer cells, but also the communication between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME). We applied ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms to calculate the immune/stromal component and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) in TME of BC. The results showed that immune component in TME predicted patients’ survival and associated with progression of BC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were primarily enriched in immune-related activities. Finally, CCL19 was acquired which shared the leading nodes in PPI network and was associated with patients’ survival. High expression of CCL19 predicted better prognosis and participated in progression of BC. Genes in CCL19 up-regulated group were enriched in immune-related activities and these functions might depend on the communications between CCL19 and multiple TICs in TIME. In conclusion, CCL19 functioned as a potential prognostic biomarker and a modulator of TIME in BC through communicating with various TICs.

Recent advances in development of nano-carriers for immunogene therapy in various complex disorders

Immunotherapy is a novel preference for the treatment of various complex diseases. Considering the application of varying agents for suppression or activation of the immune system, immunogene therapy was confirmed to stand as a proper alternative for other immunotherapeutic strategies due to its capability in targeting cells with more specificity that leads to controlling the expression of therapeutic genes. This method facilitates the local and single-dose application of most gene therapies that result in the usage of high therapeutic doses with a low risk of systemic side effects while being cost-efficient in long-term administrations. However, the existing barriers between the administration site and cell nucleus limited the clinical uses of genetic materials. These challenges can be overcome through the promising method of exerting non-carriers with high stability, low toxicity/immunogenicity, and simple modifications. In this study, we attempted to review the potential of nanoparticle application throughout the immunogene therapy of different diseases including cancer, microbial diseases, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory infections. We included the outline of some challenges and opportunities in regards to the delivery of genetic materials that are based on nano-systems through immunotherapy of these disorders. Next to the promising future of these vectors, more detailed analyses are required to overcome the current limitations in clinical approaches.

Does CCL19 act as a double-edged sword in cancer development?

Cancer is considered a life-threatening disease, and several factors are involved in its development. Chemokines are small proteins that physiologically exert pivotal roles in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues. The imbalance or dysregulation of chemokines has contributed to the development of several diseases, especially cancer. CCL19 is one of the homeostatic chemokines that is abundantly expressed in the thymus and lymph nodes. This chemokine, which primarily regulates immune cell trafficking, is involved in cancer development. Through the induction of anti-tumor immune responses and inhibition of angiogenesis, CCL19 exerts tumor-suppressive functions. In contrast, CCL19 also acts as a tumor-supportive factor by inducing inflammation, cell growth, and metastasis. Moreover, CCL19 dysregulation in several cancers, including colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and lung cancers, has been considered a tumor biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis. Using CCL19-based therapeutic approaches has also been proposed to overcome cancer development. This review will shed more light on the multifarious function of CCL19 in cancer and elucidate its application in diagnosis, prognosis, and even therapy. It is expected that the study of CCL19 in cancer might be promising to broaden our knowledge of cancer development and might introduce novel approaches in cancer management.

Co-Delivery of Paclitaxel and shMCL-1 by Folic Acid-Modified Nonviral Vector to Overcome Cancer Chemotherapy Resistance

Acquired chemoresistance presents a major clinical impediment, which is an urgent problem to be solved. Interestingly, myeloma cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) and folate receptor expression levels are higher in chemotherapy-resistant patients than in pretreatment patients. In this study, a multifunctional folic acid (FA)-targeting core-shell structure is presented for simultaneous delivery of shMCL-1 and paclitaxel (PTX). The transfection efficiency of shMCL-1 with the FA-targeting delivery system is higher than with a nontargeting delivery system in Skov3 and A2780T cells. The FA-targeting system significantly inhibits cell growth, blocks cell cycles, and promotes apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro. The mechanisms involved in inhibiting growth are related to Bcl-2/Bax and cdc2/Cyclin B1 pathways. An analysis of RNA sequencing suggests that shMCL-1 reverses chemoresistance through regulating genes such as regulator of chromosome condensation 2 (RCC2). The synergetic effect of shMCL-1 and PTX effectively inhibits tumor growth in both PTX-resistant and normal cancer models by inducing tumor apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, and limiting tumor angiogenesis. The study results indicate that a FA-targeting delivery system combining shMCL-1 with PTX can simultaneously target tumor sites and restore the sensitivity of chemotherapy-resistant cancer to PTX. These findings have important implications for patients with normal or PTX-resistant cancer.

Modulating Properties of Piroxicam, Meloxicam and Oxicam Analogues against Macrophage-Associated Chemokines in Colorectal Cancer

The mechanisms underlying the antineoplastic effects of oxicams have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to assess the effect of classic and novel oxicams on the expression/secretion of macrophage-associated chemokines (RTqPCR/Luminex xMAP) in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, and on the expression of upstream the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-activated genes NAG1, NFKBIA, MYD88, and RELA, as well as at the chemokine profiling in colorectal tumors. Meloxicam downregulated CCL4 9.9-fold, but otherwise the classic oxicams had a negligible/non-significant effect. Novel analogues with a thiazine ring substituted with arylpiperazine and benzoyl moieties significantly modulated chemokine expression to varying degree, upregulated NAG1 and NFKBIA, and downregulated MYD88. They inhibited CCL3 and CCL4, and their effect on CCL2 and CXCL2 depended on the dose and exposure. The propylene linker between thiazine and piperazine nitrogens and one arylpiperazine fluorine substituent characterized the most effective analogue. Only CCL19 and CXCL2 were not upregulated in tumors, nor was CXCL2 in tumor-adjacent tissue compared to normal mucosa. Compared to adjacent tissue, CCL4 and CXCL2 were upregulated, while CCL2, CCL8, and CCL19 were downregulated in tumors. Tumor CCL2 and CCL7 increased along with advancing T and CCL3, and CCL4 along with the N stage. The introduction of arylpiperazine and benzoyl moieties into the oxicam scaffold yields effective modulators of chemokine expression, which act by upregulating NAG1 and interfering with NF-κB signaling.

Designing new nanoliposomal formulations and evaluating their effects on myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells in a colon cancer model aiming to develop an efficient delivery system for cancer treatment; an in vitro and in vivo study

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are common immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment. These cells, through various mechanisms, inhibit antitumor immune responses and impede effective therapies. Therefore, designing an efficient protocol for inducing immune surveillance in tumors is highly recommended. Recently, nanoliposomes have provided broad-spectrum and state-of-the-art vehicles to deliver antigens or immune system compartments in immunotherapies. It has been shown that different lipids in the structure of liposomes and various liposomal formulations can affect immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of four different liposomal formulations on MDSCs and Tregs in C26 tumor-bearing mice. To this end, after preparing liposomes, they were injected into tumor-inoculated mice and analyzed MDSC and Treg population and functions in spleen and tumor tissues. Results showed that DOTAP-containing liposomes reduced MDSC population and activity in the spleen, but not tumor, compared with other groups significantly (P <0.05 and P <0.01, respectively). Moreover, DOTAP-containing liposomes reduced the expression of S100A8 and arginase-1 genes in splenic MDSCs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we provided evidence that DOTAP-containing liposomes contributed to stimulating immune responses and provided a situation to inhibit immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Recent Advances and Challenges in Gene Delivery Mediated by Polyester-Based Nanoparticles

Gene therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of several diseases, such as chronic or viral infections, inherited disorders, and cancer. The cellular internalization of exogenous nucleic acids (NA) requires efficient delivery vehicles to overcome their inherent pharmacokinetic drawbacks, e.g. electrostatic repulsions, enzymatic degradation, limited cellular uptake, fast clearance, etc. Nanotechnological advancements have enabled the use of polymer-based nanostructured biomaterials as safe and effective gene delivery systems, in addition to viral vector delivery methods. Among the plethora of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), this review will provide a comprehensive and in-depth summary of the polyester-based nanovehicles, including poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polylactic acid (PLA) NPs, used to deliver a variety of foreign NA, e.g. short interfering RNA (siRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), and plasmid DNA (pDNA). The article will review the versatility of polyester-based nanocarriers including their recent application in the delivery of the clustered, regularly-interspaced, short palindromic repeats/Cas (CRISPR/Cas) genome editing system for treating gene-related diseases. The remaining challenges and future trend of the targeted delivery of this revolutionary genome-editing system will be discussed. Special attention will be given to the pivotal role of nanotechnology in tackling emerging infections such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): ground-breaking mRNA vaccines delivered by NPs are currently used worldwide to fight the pandemic, pushing the boundaries of gene therapy.

Modulating Repolarization of Tumor-Associated Macrophages with Targeted Therapeutic Nanoparticles as a Potential Strategy for Cancer Therapy

There are always some components in the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), that help tumor cells escape the body's immune surveillance. Therefore, this situation can lead to tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, resulting in low response rates for cancer therapy. Macrophages play an important role with strong plasticity and functional diversity. Facing different microenvironmental stimulations, macrophages undergo a dynamic change in phenotype and function into two major macrophage subpopulations, namely classical activation/inflammation (M1) and alternative activation/regeneration (M2) type. Through various signaling pathways, macrophages polarize into complex groups, which can perform different immune functions. In this review, we emphasize the use of nanopreparations for macrophage related immunotherapy based on the pathological knowledge of TAMs phenotype. These macrophages targeted nanoparticles re-edit and re-educate macrophages by attenuating M2 macrophages and reducing aggregation to the TME, thereby relieving or alleviating immunosuppression. Among them, we describe in detail the cellular mechanisms and regulators of several major signaling pathways involved in the plasticity and polarization functions of macrophages. The advantages and challenges of those nanotherapeutics for these pathways have been elucidated, providing the basis and insights for the diagnosis and treatment strategies of various diseases centered on macrophages.

Improving Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Luteolin with Nano-Micelles in the Bacteria-Induced Lung Infection

The effective therapy for lung infectious diseases became more and more difficult since the severe antibiotic resistance of pathogenic microorganisms, it is urgent to develop new antimicrobial agents. Luteolin has been reported to play a crucial part in host immune responses. However, the clinical use of luteolin is impeded due to its hydrophobicity and low oral bioavailability. In this study, we formulated luteolin-loaded Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide) micelles (luteolin/MPEG-PLA), to improve the bioavailability of luteolin in lung infectious diseases. The results showed that luteolin/MPEG-PLA treatment could reduce the adhesion of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) to lung epithelial cells and enhance the germicidal ability of macrophages against K. pneumoniae compared to untreated group. Meanwhile, luteolin/MPEG-PLA showed stronger adhesion resistance of epithelial cells and germicidal ability of macrophages compared with free luteolin. In vivo study, luteolin/MPEG-PLA administration significantly promoted the clearance of bacteria and reduced inflammatory infiltration of lung tissue in K. pneumoniae induced lung infectious mice model. Further studies showed that treatment with luteolin/MPEG-PLA reduced the mRNA expression of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in macrophages significantly. In general, luteolin/MPEG-PLA can enhance the anti-bacterial ability of lung epithelial cells and macrophages, and has a stronger therapeutic effect than free luteolin in bacterial-induced lung infection. Luteolin/MPEG-PLA may be an excellent potential drug for bacterial-induced lung infectious diseases treatment.

Construction of an Effective Delivery System for DNA Vaccines Using Biodegradable Polylactic Acid Based Microspheres

Nanotechnology represents a new impetus for biomedical research applications, especially using nanotechnology to formulate microspheres or nanospheres based delivery system for treatment of infectious diseases in animals. In this work, polylactic acid (PLA) microspheres with an average size of 156 nm were prepared by combining emulsion polymerization coupled with emulsion-solvent evaporation. Coating with polyethylenimine (PEI) polymers increased the surface charges of the resulting PLA/PEI microspheres, thus enabled plasmid DNA to adsorb tightly to the microspheres. As expected, the plasmid DNA was successfully transferred into the pig kidney-15 cells with high transfection efficiency. In addition, the protection rate of PLA/PEI microspheres loaded with DNA vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease in guinea pigs reached 87.5%, which was significantly higher than that of the pure DNA vaccine group. These results indicated that PLA/PEI microspheres were expected to be an effective delivery system for DNA vaccines.

Meta-analysis of global and high throughput public gene array data for robust vascular gene expression discovery in chronic rhinosinusitis: Implications in controlled release

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation is known to cause alterations in vascular homeostasis that directly affects blood vessel morphogenesis, angiogenesis, and tissue permeability. These phenomena have been investigated and exploited for targeted drug delivery applications in the context of cancers and other disease processes. Vascular pathophysiology and its associated genes and signaling pathways, however, have not been systematically investigated in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Understanding the interplay between key vascular signaling pathways and top biomarkers associated with CRS may facilitate the development of new targeted delivery strategies and treatment paradigms. Herein, we report findings from a gene meta-analysis to identify key vascular pathways and top genes involved in CRS.

METHODS

Proprietary software (Illumina BaseSpace Correlation Engine) and open-access data sets were used to perform a gene meta-analysis to systematically determine significant differences between key vascular biomarkers and vascular signaling pathways expressed in sinonasal tissue biopsies of controls and patients with CRS.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were initially identified, and then reduced to five after applying exclusion principle algorithms. Genes associated with vasculature development and blood vessel morphogenesis signaling pathways were identified to be overexpressed among the top 15 signaling pathways. Out of many significantly upregulated genes, the levels of pro angiogenic genes such as early growth response (EGR3), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM1) and L-selectin (SELL) were particularly significant in patients with CRS compared to controls.

DISCUSSION

Key vascular biomarkers and signaling pathways were significantly overexpressed in patients with CRS compared to controls, suggesting a contribution of vascular dysfunction in CRS pathophysiology. Vascular dysregulation and permeability may afford opportunities to develop drug delivery systems to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity of CRS treatment.

CCR7 as a therapeutic target in Cancer

The CCR7 chemokine axis is comprised of chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) and chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19) acting on chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7). This axis plays two important but apparently opposing roles in cancer. On the one hand, this axis is significantly engaged in the trafficking of a number of effecter cells involved in mounting an immune response to a growing tumour. This suggests therapeutic strategies which involve potentiation of this axis can be used to combat the spread of cancer. On the other hand, the CCR7 axis plays a significant role in controlling the migration of tumour cells towards the lymphatic system and metastasis and can thus contribute to the expansion of cancer. This implies that therapeutic strategies which involve decreasing signaling through the CCR7 axis would have a beneficial effect in preventing dissemination of cancer. This dichotomy has partly been the reason why this axis has not yet been exploited, as other chemokine axes have, as a therapeutic target in cancer. Recent report of a crystal structure for CCR7 provides opportunities to exploit this axis in developing new cancer therapies. However, it remains unclear which of these two strategies, potentiation or antagonism of the CCR7 axis, is more appropriate for cancer therapy. This review brings together the evidence supporting both roles of the CCR7 axis in cancer and examines the future potential of each of the two different therapeutic approaches involving the CCR7 axis in cancer.

Gene delivery for immunoengineering

A growing number of gene delivery strategies are being employed for immunoengineering in applications ranging from infectious disease prevention to cancer therapy. Viral vectors tend to have high gene transfer capability but may be hampered by complications related to their intrinsic immunogenicity. Non-viral methods of gene delivery, including polymeric, lipid-based, and inorganic nanoparticles as well as physical delivery techniques, have also been widely investigated. By using either ex vivo engineering of immune cells that are subsequently adoptively transferred or in vivo transfection of cells for in situ genetic programming, researchers have developed different approaches to precisely modulate immune responses. In addition to expressing a gene of interest through intracellular delivery of plasmid DNA and mRNA, researchers are also delivering oligonucleotides to knock down gene expression and immunostimulatory nucleic acids to tune immune activity. Many of these biotechnologies are now in clinical trials and have high potential to impact medicine.

Physiological Need for Calcium, Iron, and Folic Acid for Women of Various Subpopulations During Pregnancy and Beyond

Women tend to supplement their diets with multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplements more often than men, and reports indicate that more than 90% of pregnant women in the United States supplement their diets with prenatal MVMs. Given the widespread use of MVMs among women and given the increasing efforts to unveil the importance of phenotype-specific health determinants, it seems imperative to review what is known about variations in nutrient physiology among women from different ethnic and racial groups and at different reproductive stages of life. In this study, we embark on an assessment of the scientific evidence and knowledge gaps that impact the precise determination of nutrient levels (specifically calcium, iron, and folic acid) that confer benefits to various subpopulations of women in the United States.

MiR-325-3p inhibits renal inflammation and fibrosis by targeting CCL19 in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a common cardiovascular disease, has been a global health threat. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed to frequently participate in the occurrence and development of DN, however, the role of miR-325-3p in DN remains uncharacterized. Our research aimed to explore the function and mechanism of miR-325-3p in DN. Bioinformatics analysis (Targetscan, http://www.targetscan.org) and a wide range of experiments including RT-qPCR, CCK-8 assay, western blot, luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays, urine protein and blood glucose assays, histology analysis and morphometric analysis were used to explore the function and mechanism of miR-325-3p and C-C motif chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19). CCL19 could facilitate the progression of DN by inhibiting cell viability and promoting inflammation and fibrosis in HK-2 and HMC cells. In addition, CCL19 was confirmed to be targeted and negatively regulated by miR-325-3p. Rescue assays validated that the impacts of miR-325-3p mimics on the viability, inflammation and fibrosis of HK-2 and HMC cells were recovered by CCL19 overexpression. To sum up, miR-325-3p inhibits renal inflammation and fibrosis by targeting CCL19 in a DN cell model and mice model, implying miR-325-3p as a possible therapeutic target for DN treatment.

Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems for α-Mangostin

α-Mangostin, a xanthone derivative from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana L., has numerous bioactivities and pharmacological properties. However, α-mangostin has low aqueous solubility and poor target selectivity in the human body. Recently, nanoparticle drug delivery systems have become an excellent technique to improve the physicochemical properties and effectiveness of drugs. Therefore, many efforts have been made to overcome the limitations of α-mangostin through nanoparticle formulations. Our review aimed to summarise and discuss the nanoparticle drug delivery systems for α-mangostin from published papers recorded in Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar. We examined various types of nanoparticles for α-mangostin to enhance water solubility, provide controlled release and create targeted delivery systems. These forms include polymeric nanoparticles, nanomicelles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanofibers and nanoemulsions. Notably, nanomicelle modification increased α-mangostin solubility increased more than 10,000 fold. Additionally, polymeric nanoparticles provided targeted delivery and significantly enhanced the biodistribution of α-mangostin into specific organs. In conclusion, the nanoparticle drug delivery system could be a promising technique to increase the solubility, selectivity and efficacy of α-mangostin as a new drug candidate in clinical therapy.

Tumor Targeted Curcumin Delivery by Folate-Modified MPEG-PCL Self-Assembly Micelles for Colorectal Cancer Therapy

Introduction

Curcumin (Cur) is a natural extract of Asian spice Curcumin longa, showing multi-targeting capability and low toxicity in anti-tumor activities. The low bioavailability restricts its application as a therapeutic agent. Folate (FA) receptors are highly expressed in many malignant tumors while low expressed in normal tissue. Herein, we developed a self-assembled FA modified MPEG-PCL micelle to incorporate Cur (FA/Nano-Cur) and applied it for colorectal cancer therapy.

Methods

We prepared FA/Nano-Cur micelles and identified their characteristics. The drug release behavior, pharmacokinetics and in vitro anti-tumor activities of FA/Nano-Cur were studied. Furthermore, the in vivo anti-tumor ability assessment and anti-tumor mechanisms investigation were carried out in murine colorectal cancer model.

Results

FA/Nano-Cur micelles had an average particle size of 30.47 nm. Elongated T_1/2 and larger AUC were found in FA/Nano-Cur group than that in the Free Cur group. MTT assay and apoptotic study indicated the growth inhibitory effect and pro-apoptotic effect of FA/Nano-Cur were the most significant among all treatments. Moreover, the in vivo study demonstrated that FA/Nano-Cur micelles exhibited a much stronger effect to suppress tumor growth, promote tumor apoptosis and attenuate tumor angiogenesis than Free Cur and Nano-Cur micelles.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated FA/Nano-Cur micelles might be a promising therapeutic agent in colorectal cancer treatment with distinctive advantages of improved bioavailability, sustained drug release, tumor-targeted delivery and low toxicity.

Nanovector Assembled from Natural Egg Yolk Lipids for Tumor-Targeted Delivery of Therapeutics

Nanomedicine uses nanotechnology-based strategies for precision tumor therapy, including passive and ligand-mediated active tumor targeting by nanocarriers. However, the possible biotoxicity of chemosynthetic nanovectors limits their clinical applications. A novel natural egg yolk lipid nanovector (EYLN) was developed for effective loading and delivery of therapeutic agents. Lipids were extracted from egg yolks and reassembled into nanosized particles. EYLNs' stability, cellular uptake, toxicity, and delivery capacity for therapeutic agents were evaluated in vitro. The systemic toxicity and biodistribution of EYLNs were analyzed in normal mice, and the therapeutic effects of doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded EYLNs were evaluated in mouse breast cancer and hepatoma models. EYLNs had a particle size of ∼40 nm and a surface ζ-potential of -45 mV and were effectively internalized by tumor cells, without showing toxicity and side effects in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, their excellent permeability and retention effect significantly enhanced the distribution of EYLNs at tumor sites, and EYLN-Dox effectively inhibited the tumor growth in both mouse models. Targeted modification with folic acid further promoted vector-mediated drug distribution in tumors. This study demonstrates that lipids with specific proportions in the egg yolk can be used to construct natural drug vectors, providing a new strategy for nano-oncology research.

Treatment with an immature dendritic cell-targeting vaccine supplemented with IFN-α and an inhibitor of DNA methylation markedly enhances survival in a murine melanoma model

BACKGROUND

The chemokine MIP-3α (CCL20) binds to CCR6 on immature dendritic cells. DNA vaccines fusing MIP-3α to melanoma-associated antigens have shown improved efficacy and immunogenicity in the B16F10 mouse melanoma model. Here, we report that the combination of type-I interferon therapy (IFNα) with 5-Aza-2'-deoxycitidine (5Aza) profoundly enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of a MIP-3α-Gp100-Trp2 DNA vaccine.

METHODS

Beginning on day 5 post-transplantation of B16F10 melanoma, vaccine was administered intramuscularly (i.m.) by electroporation. CpG adjuvant was given 2 days later. 5Aza was given intraperitoneally at 1 mg/kg and IFNα therapy either intratumorally or i.m. as noted. Tumor sizes, tumor growth, and mouse survival were assessed. Tumor lysate gene expression levels and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were assessed by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTS

Adding IFNα and 5Aza treatments to mice vaccinated with MIP-3α-Gp100-Trp2 leads to reduced tumor burden and increased median survival (39% over vaccine and 95% over controls). Tumor lysate expression of CCL19 and CCR7 were upregulated ten and fivefold over vaccine, respectively. Vaccine-specific and overall CD8+ TILs were increased over vaccine (sevenfold and fourfold, respectively), as well as the proportion of TILs that were CD8+ (twofold).

CONCLUSIONS

Efficient targeting of antigen to immature dendritic cells with a chemokine-fusion vaccine offers an alternative to classic and dendritic cell vaccines. Combining this approach with IFNα and 5Aza treatment significantly improved vaccine efficacy. This improved efficacy correlated with changes in chemokine gene expression and CD8+ TIL infiltration and was dependent on the presence of all therapeutic components.

Tumor immune microenvironment modulation-based drug delivery strategies for cancer immunotherapy

The past years have witnessed promising clinical feedback for anti-cancer immunotherapies, which have become one of the hot research topics; however, they are limited by poor delivery kinetics, narrow patient response profiles, and systemic side effects. To the best of our knowledge, the development of cancer is highly associated with the immune system, especially the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Based on the comprehensive understanding of the complexity and diversity of TIME, drug delivery strategies focused on the modulation of TIME can be of great significance for directing and improving cancer immunotherapy. This review highlights the TIME modulation in cancer immunotherapy and summarizes the versatile TIME modulation-based cancer immunotherapeutic strategies, medicative principles and accessory biotechniques for further clinical transformation. Remarkably, the recent advances of cancer immunotherapeutic drug delivery systems and future prospects of TIME modulation-based drug delivery systems for much more controlled and precise cancer immunotherapy will be emphatically discussed.

Nanotopography-based lymphatic delivery for improved anti-tumor responses to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy

Rationale: Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is a co-inhibitory checkpoint receptor that is expressed by naïve T-cells in lymph nodes (LNs) to inhibit activation against “self” antigens (Ags). In cancer, anti-CTLA-4 blocks inhibitory action, enabling robust activation of T-cells against tumor Ags presented in tumor draining LNs (TDLNs). However, anti-CTLA-4 is administered intravenously with limited exposure within TDLNs and immune related adverse events (irAEs) are associated with over-stimulation of the immune system.

Methods: Herein, we first deliver anti-CTLA-4 in an orthotopic mammary carcinoma murine model using a nanotopographical microneedle-array device to compare its anti-tumor response to that from systemic administration. Additionally, to demonstrate the feasibility of lymphatic delivery in humans using the device, we use near-infrared fluorescence imaging to image delivery of ICG to LNs.

Results: Our data show that lymphatic infusion results in more effective tumor growth inhibition, arrest of metastases, increased tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and complete responses when compared to conventional systemic administration. In clinical studies, we demonstrate for the first time that nanotopographic infusion can deliver ICG through the lymphatics directly to the axilla and inguinal LNs of healthy human volunteers.

Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that regional delivery using a nanotopography-based microneedle array could revolutionize checkpoint blockade immunotherapy by reducing systemic drug exposure and maximizing drug delivery to TDLNs where tumor Ags present. Future work is needed to determine whether lymphatic delivery of anti-CTLA-4 can alleviate irAEs that occur with systemic dosing.

Delivery luteolin with folacin-modified nanoparticle for glioma therapy

Background

Glioblastoma mutliforme is the most common and has the poorest prognosis of any malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Luteolin, the most abundant xanthone extracted from vegetables and medicinal plants, has been shown to have treatment effects in various cancer cell types. Luteolin is however, hydrophobic and has poor biocompatibility, which leads to low bioavailability.

Patients and methods

In this study, folic acid modifiedpoly(ethylene glycol)-poly(e-caprolactone) (Fa-PEG-PCL) nano-micelles was used to encapsulate the luteolin, creating luteolin loaded PEG-PCL (Lut/Fa-PEG-PCL) micelles to treat glioma both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

When compared with the free luteolin and Lut/MPEG-PCL, Lut/Fa-PEG-PCL induced a significant cell growth inhibition and more apoptosis of GL261 cells both in vitro and in vivo. The safety assessment also showed no obvious side effects were observed in mice which were administrated with free luteolin or Lut/MPEG-PCL and Lut/Fa-PEG-PCL.

Conclusion

These results suggested Lut/Fa-PEG-PCL may be used as an excellent intravenously injectable formulation for the treatment and chemoprevention.