1
|
Chen H, Zhang Q. Polypeptides as alternatives to PEGylation of therapeutic agents. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:1-12. [PMID: 38116624 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2297937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Due to the concerns raised by the extensive application of PEGylation, polypeptides have stood out as excellent candidates with adequate biocompatibility and biodegradability with tunable hydrophilicity. AREAS COVERED In this review, polypeptides with the potential to replace PEGylation have been summarized and their application has been reviewed, including XTEN, PASylation, polysarcosine, zwitterion polypeptides, ELPylation, etc. Besides their strengths, the remaining challenges have also been discussed and the future perspectives have been provided. EXPERT OPINION Polypeptides have been applied in the designing of peptide/protein drugs as well as nanomedicines, and some of the pharmaceutics have made it into the clinical trials and got approved. These polypeptides showed similar hydrophilic properties to PEGylation, which increased the hydrodynamic volumes of protein drugs, reduced kidney elimination, decreased protein-polymer interaction and potentially improved the drug delivery efficiency due to the extended circulation time in the system. Moreover, they demonstrated superior biodegradability and biocompatibility, compensating for the deficiencies for polymers such as PEG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huali Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qianyu Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shi D, Fu W, Tan H, Lin Q, Shi H, Cheng D. Preclinical Evaluation of 99mTc-MAG 3-5-Fab Targeting TREM2 in Lung Cancer Mouse Models: A Comparison with 99mTc-MAG 3-5-F(ab') 2. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:303-312. [PMID: 38109713 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2), which is expressed on the surface of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), has been found to play a major role in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors. TREM2 expression is significantly upregulated in tumor tissues, and therefore, targeting TREM2 for tumor imaging may be of value. Previously, we performed TREM2 targeting imaging by using 68Ga-NOTA-COG1410 or a 124I-labeled monoclonal antibody (mAb) and F(ab')2 in mouse models of colon and gastric tumors. However, some of the shortcomings of these probes (i.e., the high uptake of 68Ga-NOTA-COG1410 in the liver, the difficulty of obtaining iodine-124, and the long half-life of iodine-124) have hindered their clinical use. Herein, we sought to synthesize novel molecular probes targeting TREM2 that are more conducive to clinical translation, eliminating the interference of isotope availability and in vivo probe biodistribution issues. Therefore, we established A549 cell lines with negative human TREM2 (hTREM2) expression (GFP tag; hTREM2- A549) or upregulated hTREM2 expression (GFP tag; hTREM2+ A549) using lentiviral transfection and confirmed these with Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. We then prepared a mouse anti-human TREM2 (5-mAb) by immunizing with the hTREM2 antigen. The antibody fragments 5-F(ab')2 and 5-Fab were prepared from 5-mAb, and 99mTc-MAG3-5-F(ab')2 and 99mTc-MAG3-5-Fab were then synthesized with excellent stability and specificity. 99mTc-MAG3-5-F(ab')2 had a slightly higher in vitro affinity than 99mTc-MAG3-5-Fab (Kd = 3.32 ± 0.05 nmol versus 4.62 ± 0.85 nmol). 99mTc-MAG3-5-F(ab')2 and 99mTc-MAG3-5-Fab both showed excellent specificity: after adding a 100-fold precursor, the two probes binding to the cells were almost blocked. In vivo pharmacokinetics showed that the distribution and elimination half-lives of 99mTc-MAG3-5-Fab (T1/2α = 1.25 ± 0.30 min and T1/2β = 21.98 ± 2.80 min, respectively) were significantly reduced compared to those of 99mTc-MAG3-5-F(ab')2 (T1/2α = 2.64 ± 0.37 min and T1/2β = 86.55 ± 26.86 min, respectively). In micro single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (micro-SPECT/CT) imaging, the tumor was clearly displayed at 1 h after 99mTc-MAG3-5-Fab injection, while the blood background was extremely low at 3 h, and the probe was mainly excreted through the kidneys and biliary tract. 99mTc-MAG3-5-F(ab')2 uptake was also detected at the tumor site, although the blood background was consistently high. The biodistribution results were consistent with the micro-SPECT/CT imaging results. 99mTc-MAG3-5-Fab could clearly display hTREM2+ A549 tumors in a short time (1 h) with low uptake in nontumor organs and tissues and thus has clinical application prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dai Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenhui Fu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Tan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qingyu Lin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hongcheng Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dengfeng Cheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ji Y, Liu D, Zhu H, Bao L, Chang R, Gao X, Yin J. Unstructured Polypeptides as a Versatile Drug Delivery Technology. Acta Biomater 2023; 164:74-93. [PMID: 37075961 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Although polyethylene glycol (PEG), or "PEGylation" has become a widely applied approach for improving the efficiency of drug delivery, the immunogenicity and non-biodegradability of this synthetic polymer have prompted an evident need for alternatives. To overcome these caveats and to mimic PEG -or other natural or synthetic polymers- for the purpose of drug half-life extension, unstructured polypeptides are designed. Due to their tunable length, biodegradability, low immunogenicity and easy production, unstructured polypeptides have the potential to replace PEG as the preferred technology for therapeutic protein/peptide delivery. This review provides an overview of the evolution of unstructured polypeptides, starting from natural polypeptides to engineered polypeptides and discusses their characteristics. Then, it is described that unstructured polypeptides have been successfully applied to numerous drugs, including peptides, proteins, antibody fragments, and nanocarriers, for half-life extension. Innovative applications of unstructured peptides as releasable masks, multimolecular adaptors and intracellular delivery carriers are also discussed. Finally, challenges and future perspectives of this promising field are briefly presented. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Polypeptide fusion technology simulating PEGylation has become an important topic for the development of long-circulating peptide or protein drugs without reduced activity, complex processes, and kidney injury caused by PEG modification. Here we provide a detailed and in-depth review of the recent advances in unstructured polypeptides. In addition to the application of enhanced pharmacokinetic performance, emphasis is placed on polypeptides as scaffolders for the delivery of multiple drugs, and on the preparation of reasonably designed polypeptides to manipulate the performance of proteins and peptides. This review will provide insight into future application of polypeptides in peptide or protein drug development and the design of novel functional polypeptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dingkang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Haichao Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lichen Bao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ruilong Chang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiangdong Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Jun Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Manafi-Farid R, Ataeinia B, Ranjbar S, Jamshidi Araghi Z, Moradi MM, Pirich C, Beheshti M. ImmunoPET: Antibody-Based PET Imaging in Solid Tumors. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:916693. [PMID: 35836956 PMCID: PMC9273828 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.916693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) is a molecular imaging modality combining the high sensitivity of PET with the specific targeting ability of monoclonal antibodies. Various radioimmunotracers have been successfully developed to target a broad spectrum of molecules expressed by malignant cells or tumor microenvironments. Only a few are translated into clinical studies and barely into clinical practices. Some drawbacks include slow radioimmunotracer kinetics, high physiologic uptake in lymphoid organs, and heterogeneous activity in tumoral lesions. Measures are taken to overcome the disadvantages, and new tracers are being developed. In this review, we aim to mention the fundamental components of immunoPET imaging, explore the groundbreaking success achieved using this new technique, and review different radioimmunotracers employed in various solid tumors to elaborate on this relatively new imaging modality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Manafi-Farid
- Research Center for Nuclear Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahar Ataeinia
- Department of Radiology, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shaghayegh Ranjbar
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Zahra Jamshidi Araghi
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mobin Moradi
- Research Center for Nuclear Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Christian Pirich
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mohsen Beheshti
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- *Correspondence: Mohsen Beheshti ; orcid.org/0000-0003-3918-3812
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jin Y, Liu B, Younis MH, Huang G, Liu J, Cai W, Wei W. Next-Generation Molecular Imaging of Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3188. [PMID: 34202358 PMCID: PMC8268517 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An essential aspect of thyroid cancer (TC) management is personalized and precision medicine. Functional imaging of TC with radioiodine and [18F]FDG has been frequently used in disease evaluation for several decades now. Recently, advances in molecular imaging have led to the development of novel tracers based on aptamer, peptide, antibody, nanobody, antibody fragment, and nanoparticle platforms. The emerging targets-including HER2, CD54, SHP2, CD33, and more-are promising targets for clinical translation soon. The significance of these tracers may be realized by outlining the way they support the management of TC. The provided examples focus on where preclinical investigations can be translated. Furthermore, advances in the molecular imaging of TC may inspire the development of novel therapeutic or theranostic tracers. In this review, we summarize TC-targeting probes which include transporter-based and immuno-based imaging moieties. We summarize the most recent evidence in this field and outline how these emerging strategies may potentially optimize clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Jin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd., Shanghai 200127, China; (Y.J.); (G.H.); (J.L.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Beibei Liu
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliatede to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China;
| | - Muhsin H. Younis
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705-2275, USA;
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd., Shanghai 200127, China; (Y.J.); (G.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd., Shanghai 200127, China; (Y.J.); (G.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705-2275, USA;
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Weijun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Rd., Shanghai 200127, China; (Y.J.); (G.H.); (J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|