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Dowaidar M. Uptake pathways of cell-penetrating peptides in the context of drug delivery, gene therapy, and vaccine development. Cell Signal 2024; 117:111116. [PMID: 38408550 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111116] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides have been extensively utilized for the purpose of facilitating the intracellular delivery of cargo that is impermeable to the cell membrane. The researchers have exhibited proficient delivery capabilities for oligonucleotides, thereby establishing cell-penetrating peptides as a potent instrument in the field of gene therapy. Furthermore, they have demonstrated a high level of efficiency in delivering several additional payloads. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) possess the capability to efficiently transport therapeutic molecules to specific cells, hence offering potential remedies for many illnesses. Hence, their utilization is imperative for the improvement of therapeutic vaccines. In contemporary studies, a plethora of cell-penetrating peptides have been unveiled, each characterized by its own distinct structural attributes and associated mechanisms. Although it is widely acknowledged that there are multiple pathways through which particles might be internalized, a comprehensive understanding of the specific mechanisms by which these particles enter cells has to be fully elucidated. The absorption of cell-penetrating peptides can occur through either direct translocation or endocytosis. However, it is worth noting that categories of cell-penetrating peptides are not commonly linked to specific entrance mechanisms. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) possess the capacity to enhance antigen uptake by cells and facilitate the traversal of various biological barriers. The primary objective of this work is to examine the mechanisms by which cell-penetrating peptides are internalized by cells and their significance in facilitating the administration of drugs, particularly in the context of gene therapy and vaccine development. The current study investigates the immunostimulatory properties of numerous vaccine components administered using different cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). This study encompassed a comprehensive discussion on various topics, including the uptake pathways and mechanisms of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), the utilization of CPPs as innovative vectors for gene therapy, the role of CPPs in vaccine development, and the potential of CPPs for antigen delivery in the context of vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moataz Dowaidar
- Bioengineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Biosystems and Machines Research Center, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
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2
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Hasannejad-Asl B, Pooresmaeil F, Takamoli S, Dabiri M, Bolhassani A. Cell penetrating peptide: A potent delivery system in vaccine development. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1072685. [PMID: 36425579 PMCID: PMC9679422 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1072685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the main obstacles to most medication administrations (such as the vaccine constructs) is the cellular membrane's inadequate permeability, which reduces their efficiency. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) or protein transduction domains (PTDs) are well-known as potent biological nanocarriers to overcome this natural barrier, and to deliver membrane-impermeable substances into cells. The physicochemical properties of CPPs, the attached cargo, concentration, and cell type substantially influence the internalization mechanism. Although the exact mechanism of cellular uptake and the following processing of CPPs are still uncertain; but however, they can facilitate intracellular transfer through both endocytic and non-endocytic pathways. Improved endosomal escape efficiency, selective cell targeting, and improved uptake, processing, and presentation of antigen by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) have been reported by CPPs. Different in vitro and in vivo investigations using CPP conjugates show their potential as therapeutic agents in various medical areas such as infectious and non-infectious disorders. Effective treatments for a variety of diseases may be provided by vaccines that can cooperatively stimulate T cell-mediated immunity (T helper cell activity or cytotoxic T cell function), and immunologic memory. Delivery of antigen epitopes to APCs, and generation of a potent immune response is essential for an efficacious vaccine that can be facilitated by CPPs. The current review describes the delivery of numerous vaccine components by various CPPs and their immunostimulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Hasannejad-Asl
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Pooresmaeil
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahla Takamoli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mehran Dabiri
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Fatemi SA, Seifi N, Rasekh S, Amiri S, Moezzi SMI, Bagheri A, Fathi S, Negahdaripour M. Immunotherapeutic approaches for HPV-caused cervical cancer. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2021; 129:51-90. [PMID: 35305725 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2021.11.002] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer, the fourth most frequent women cancer worldwide, is mostly (about 99%) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Despite availability of three effective prophylactic vaccines for more than one decade and some other preventive measures, it is still the fourth cause of cancer death among women globally. Thus, development of therapeutic vaccines seems essential, which has been vastly studied using different vaccine platforms. Even with very wide efforts during the past years, no therapeutic vaccine has been approved yet, which might be partly due to the complex events and interactions taken place in the tumor microenvironment. On the other hand, immunotherapy has opened its way into the management plans of some cancers. The recent approval of pembrolizumab for the treatment of metastatic/recurrent cervical cancer brings new hopes to the management of this disease, while some other immunotherapeutic approaches are also under investigation either alone or in combination with vaccines. Here, following a summary about HPV and its pathogenesis, cervical cancer therapeutic vaccines would be reviewed. Cell-based vaccines as well as immunomodulation and other modalities used along with vaccines would be also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Amirreza Fatemi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nadia Seifi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shiva Rasekh
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sogand Amiri
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Iman Moezzi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ashkan Bagheri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shirin Fathi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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4
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Sun B, Zhao X, Gu W, Cao P, Movahedi F, Wu Y, Xu ZP, Gu W. ATP stabilised and sensitised calcium phosphate nanoparticles as effective adjuvants for a DNA vaccine against cancer. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:7435-7446. [PMID: 34551058 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01408k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines based on DNA encoding oncogenes have shown great potential in preclinical studies. However, the efficacy of DNA vaccines is limited by their weak immunogenicity because of low cellular internalisation and insufficient activation of dendritic cells (DCs). Calcium phosphate (CP) nanoparticles (NPs) are biodegradable vehicles with low toxicity and high loading capacity of DNA but suffer from stability issues. Here we employed adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as a dual functional agent, i.e. stabiliser for CP and immunological adjuvant, and applied the ATP-modified CP (ACP) NPs to the DNA vaccine. ACP NP-enhanced cellular uptake and improved transfection efficiency of DNA vaccine, and further showed the ability to activate DCs that are critical for them to prime T cells in cancer immunotherapy. As a result, a higher level of antigen-specific antibody with stronger tumour growth inhibition was achieved in mice immunised with the ACP-DNA vaccine. Overall, this one-step synthesised ACP NPs are an efficient nano-delivery system and nano-adjuvant for cancer DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Sun
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Building 75, Corner of Cooper Road & College Road, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Building 75, Corner of Cooper Road & College Road, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia. .,GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Wenxi Gu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Building 75, Corner of Cooper Road & College Road, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia. .,Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Pei Cao
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Building 75, Corner of Cooper Road & College Road, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Fatemeh Movahedi
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Building 75, Corner of Cooper Road & College Road, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Yanheng Wu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Building 75, Corner of Cooper Road & College Road, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia. .,Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Zhi Ping Xu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Building 75, Corner of Cooper Road & College Road, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Wenyi Gu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Building 75, Corner of Cooper Road & College Road, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia. .,Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, 510530, China
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5
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Apostolopoulos V, Bojarska J, Chai TT, Elnagdy S, Kaczmarek K, Matsoukas J, New R, Parang K, Lopez OP, Parhiz H, Perera CO, Pickholz M, Remko M, Saviano M, Skwarczynski M, Tang Y, Wolf WM, Yoshiya T, Zabrocki J, Zielenkiewicz P, AlKhazindar M, Barriga V, Kelaidonis K, Sarasia EM, Toth I. A Global Review on Short Peptides: Frontiers and Perspectives. Molecules 2021; 26:E430. [PMID: 33467522 PMCID: PMC7830668 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides are fragments of proteins that carry out biological functions. They act as signaling entities via all domains of life and interfere with protein-protein interactions, which are indispensable in bio-processes. Short peptides include fundamental molecular information for a prelude to the symphony of life. They have aroused considerable interest due to their unique features and great promise in innovative bio-therapies. This work focusing on the current state-of-the-art short peptide-based therapeutical developments is the first global review written by researchers from all continents, as a celebration of 100 years of peptide therapeutics since the commencement of insulin therapy in the 1920s. Peptide "drugs" initially played only the role of hormone analogs to balance disorders. Nowadays, they achieve numerous biomedical tasks, can cross membranes, or reach intracellular targets. The role of peptides in bio-processes can hardly be mimicked by other chemical substances. The article is divided into independent sections, which are related to either the progress in short peptide-based theranostics or the problems posing challenge to bio-medicine. In particular, the SWOT analysis of short peptides, their relevance in therapies of diverse diseases, improvements in (bio)synthesis platforms, advanced nano-supramolecular technologies, aptamers, altered peptide ligands and in silico methodologies to overcome peptide limitations, modern smart bio-functional materials, vaccines, and drug/gene-targeted delivery systems are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (V.A.); (J.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Joanna Bojarska
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Tsun-Thai Chai
- Department of Chemical Science, Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar 31900, Malaysia;
| | - Sherif Elnagdy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Gamaa St., Giza 12613, Egypt; (S.E.); (M.A.)
| | - Krzysztof Kaczmarek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (K.K.); (J.Z.)
| | - John Matsoukas
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (V.A.); (J.M.); (V.B.)
- NewDrug, Patras Science Park, 26500 Patras, Greece;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Roger New
- Vaxcine (UK) Ltd., c/o London Bioscience Innovation Centre, London NW1 0NH, UK;
- Faculty of Science & Technology, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London NW4 4BT, UK;
| | - Keykavous Parang
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA;
| | - Octavio Paredes Lopez
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioquímica, Irapuato 36824, Guanajuato, Mexico;
| | - Hamideh Parhiz
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA;
| | - Conrad O. Perera
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;
| | - Monica Pickholz
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina;
- Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires (IFIBA, UBA-CONICET), Argentina, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina
| | - Milan Remko
- Remedika, Luzna 9, 85104 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Michele Saviano
- Institute of Crystallography (CNR), Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.); (I.T.)
| | - Yefeng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharma Ceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Wojciech M. Wolf
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Janusz Zabrocki
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (K.K.); (J.Z.)
| | - Piotr Zielenkiewicz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Systems Biology, Institute of Experimental Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maha AlKhazindar
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Gamaa St., Giza 12613, Egypt; (S.E.); (M.A.)
| | - Vanessa Barriga
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (V.A.); (J.M.); (V.B.)
| | | | | | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.); (I.T.)
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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6
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Cheng MA, Farmer E, Huang C, Lin J, Hung CF, Wu TC. Therapeutic DNA Vaccines for Human Papillomavirus and Associated Diseases. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:971-996. [PMID: 29316817 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) has long been recognized as the causative agent of cervical cancer. High-risk HPV types 16 and 18 alone are responsible for over 70% of all cases of cervical cancers. More recently, HPV has been identified as an etiological factor for several other forms of cancers, including oropharyngeal, anogenital, and skin. Thus, the association of HPV with these malignancies creates an opportunity to control these HPV lesions and HPV-associated malignancies through immunization. Strategies to prevent or to therapeutically treat HPV infections have been developed and are still pushing innovative boundaries. Currently, commercial prophylactic HPV vaccines are widely available, but they are not able to control established infections or lesions. As a result, there is an urgent need for the development of therapeutic HPV vaccines, to treat existing infections, and to prevent the development of HPV-associated cancers. In particular, DNA vaccination has emerged as a promising form of therapeutic HPV vaccine. DNA vaccines have great potential for the treatment of HPV infections and HPV-associated cancers due to their safety, stability, simplicity of manufacturability, and ability to induce antigen-specific immunity. This review focuses on the current state of therapeutic HPV DNA vaccines, including results from recent and ongoing clinical trials, and outlines different strategies that have been employed to improve their potencies. The continued progress and improvements made in therapeutic HPV DNA vaccine development holds great potential for innovative ways to effectively treat HPV infections and HPV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max A Cheng
- 1 Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emily Farmer
- 1 Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Claire Huang
- 1 Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John Lin
- 1 Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chien-Fu Hung
- 1 Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, Maryland.,2 Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - T-C Wu
- 1 Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, Maryland.,2 Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, Maryland.,3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, Maryland.,4 Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, Maryland
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7
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Motevalli F, Bolhassani A, Hesami S, Shahbazi S. Supercharged green fluorescent protein delivers HPV16E7 DNA and protein into mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. Immunol Lett 2017; 194:29-39. [PMID: 29273425 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Macromolecules including DNA and proteins serve as important human therapeutics but are limited by their general inability to cross cell membranes. Supercharged proteins have been known as potent tools for delivery of macromolecules into mammalian cells. Thus, the use of these delivery systems is important to reduce the human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated malignancies through improvement of vaccine modalities. In this study, we used a supercharged green fluorescent protein (+36 GFP) for delivery of the full-length HPV16 E7 DNA and protein into mammalian cells and evaluated immune responses, and protective/therapeutic effects of different formulations in C57BL/6 tumor mice model. Our results showed that the complexes of E7 DNA/+36 GFP and also E7 protein/+36 GFP form stable nanoparticles through non-covalent binding with an average size of ∼ 200-300 nm. The efficient delivery of E7 DNA or protein by +36 GFP was detected in HEK-293T cell line for 4 h and 24 h post-transfection. Mice immunization with E7 protein/+36 GFP nanoparticles elicited a higher Th1 cellular immune response with the predominant IgG2a and IFN-γ levels than those induced by E7 protein, E7 DNA, E7 DNA/+36 GFP and control groups (p < .05). Moreover, the E7 DNA/+36 GFP and E7 protein/+36 GFP nanoparticles similarly protected mice against TC-1 tumor challenge (∼67%) as compared to E7 DNA and E7 protein (∼33%), respectively. These data suggest that +36 GFP may provide a promising platform to improve protein and DNA delivery in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Motevalli
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Shilan Hesami
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Shahbazi
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Kidd LC, Chaing S, Chipollini J, Giuliano AR, Spiess PE, Sharma P. Relationship between human papillomavirus and penile cancer-implications for prevention and treatment. Transl Androl Urol 2017; 6:791-802. [PMID: 29184775 PMCID: PMC5673821 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2017.06.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Penile cancer is a rare disease in the United States, but rates are increasing, causing concern. Several risk factors have been associated with the disease, including human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Knowledge of HPV pathogenesis has led to the development of a vaccine, which has proven instrumental in reducing the incidence of female HPV-related cancers, but results in men have yet to be elucidated. Fortunately, rates of vaccination are up-trending in both males and females in the past several years. In addition, targeted therapies are the focus of several ongoing research efforts. Some of these therapeutics are currently in use, while several are in trials. With continued patient education and research, both treatment and prevention of HPV-related pre-malignant lesions and penile cancer will likely diminish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C. Kidd
- Department of Urology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sharon Chaing
- Department of Urology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Juan Chipollini
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Anna R. Giuliano
- Center for Infection Research in Cancer (CIRC), Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Philippe E. Spiess
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Pranav Sharma
- Department of Urology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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9
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Shen C, Li J, Zhang Y, Li Y, Shen G, Zhu J, Tao J. Polyethylenimine-based micro/nanoparticles as vaccine adjuvants. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:5443-5460. [PMID: 28814862 PMCID: PMC5546778 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s137980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines have shown great success in treating and preventing tumors and infections, while adjuvants are always demanded to ensure potent immune responses. Polyethylenimine (PEI), as one of the well-studied cationic polymers, has been used as a transfection reagent for decades. However, increasing evidence has shown that PEI-based particles are also capable of acting as adjuvants. In this paper, we briefly review the physicochemical properties and the broad applications of PEI in different fields, and elaborate on the intracellular processes of PEI-based vaccines. In addition, we sum up the proof of their in vivo and clinical applications. We also highlight some mechanisms proposed for the intrinsic immunoactivation function of PEI, followed by the challenges and future perspectives of the applications of PEI in the vaccines, as well as some strategies to elicit the desirable immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuce Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guanxin Shen
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jintao Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Tao
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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10
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Spiess PE, Dhillon J, Baumgarten AS, Johnstone PA, Giuliano AR. Pathophysiological basis of human papillomavirus in penile cancer: Key to prevention and delivery of more effective therapies. CA Cancer J Clin 2016; 66:481-495. [PMID: 27314890 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis is a rare malignancy in the United States, with a significantly higher incidence-up to 20 to 30 times greater-in areas of Africa and South America. This can be explained in part by the significantly greater prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among high-risk males often having unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners. Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated as the infectious pathway by which several these penile neoplasms originate from precursor lesions. In this regard, a fundamental understanding of HPV in penile carcinogenesis can have meaningful implications in understanding 1) the diagnosis of HPV-related precursor penile lesions, 2) targeting HPV-specific molecular pathways, and 3) cancer prevention. Using vaccination programs not only may improve patient outcomes but also may minimize the need for highly aggressive and often debilitating surgical resection. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:481-495. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe E Spiess
- Associate Member, Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Jasreman Dhillon
- Assistant Member, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Adam S Baumgarten
- Urology Resident Physician, Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Peter A Johnstone
- Senior Member, Department of Radiation Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Anna R Giuliano
- Senior Member, Department of Infection and Cancer, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 236 Baidi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Yanhang Hong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 236 Baidi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Wenjuan Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 236 Baidi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Chun Wang
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 7-105 Hasselmo
Hall, 312 Church Street S. E., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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12
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Namvar A, Bolhassani A, Khairkhah N, Motevalli F. Physicochemical properties of polymers: An important system to overcome the cell barriers in gene transfection. Biopolymers 2016; 103:363-75. [PMID: 25761628 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of the macromolecules including DNA, miRNA, and antisense oligonucleotides is typically mediated by carriers due to the large size and negative charge. Different physical (e.g., gene gun or electroporation), and chemical (e.g., cationic polymer or lipid) vectors have been already used to improve the efficiency of gene transfer. Polymer-based DNA delivery systems have attracted special interest, in particular via intravenous injection with many intra- and extracellular barriers. The recent progress has shown that stimuli-responsive polymers entitled as multifunctional nucleic acid vehicles can act to target specific cells. These nonviral carriers are classified by the type of stimulus including reduction potential, pH, and temperature. Generally, the physicochemical characterization of DNA-polymer complexes is critical to enhance the transfection potency via protection of DNA from nuclease digestion, endosomal escape, and nuclear localization. The successful clinical applications will depend on an exact insight of barriers in gene delivery and development of carriers overcoming these barriers. Consequently, improvement of novel cationic polymers with low toxicity and effective for biomedical use has attracted a great attention in gene therapy. This article summarizes the main physicochemical and biological properties of polyplexes describing their gene transfection behavior, in vitro and in vivo. In this line, the relative efficiencies of various cationic polymers are compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Namvar
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Saleh T, Bolhassani A, Shojaosadati SA, Aghasadeghi MR. MPG-based nanoparticle: An efficient delivery system for enhancing the potency of DNA vaccine expressing HPV16E7. Vaccine 2015; 33:3164-70. [PMID: 26001433 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
DNA vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 have not been successful in clinical trials, due to the lack of an appropriate delivery system. In this study, a peptide-based gene delivery system, MPG, which forms stable non-covalent nanoparticles with nucleic acids, was used for in vitro and in vivo delivery of HPV16 E7 DNA as a model antigen. The results demonstrated that at Nitrogen/Phosphate (N/P) ratio over 10:1, this peptide can effectively condense plasmid DNA into stable nanoparticles with an average size of 180-210nm and a positive surface charge. The transfection efficiency of MPG-based nanoparticles was shown to be comparable with Polyethyleneimine (PEI). The efficient protein expression detected by western blotting and flow cytometry supports the potential of MPG-based nanoparticles as a potent delivery system in DNA vaccine formulations. Immunization with MPG/E7DNA nanoparticles at an N/P ratio of 10:1 induced a stronger Th1 cellular immune response with a predominant interferon-γ (IFN-γ) profile than those induced by E7DNA alone in a murine tumor model. These findings suggest that MPG peptide as a novel gene delivery system could have promising applications in improving HPV therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Saleh
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Khavari A, Bolhassani A, Alizadeh F, Bathaie SZ, Balaram P, Agi E, Vahabpour R. Chemo-immunotherapy using saffron and its ingredients followed by E7-NT (gp96) DNA vaccine generates different anti-tumor effects against tumors expressing the E7 protein of human papillomavirus. Arch Virol 2014; 160:499-508. [PMID: 25395243 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-014-2250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Saffron and its components have been suggested as promising candidates for cancer prevention. Carotenoids and monoterpene aldehydes are two potent ingredients of saffron. The goal of the current study was to investigate the anti-tumor effect of chemo-immunotherapy using saffron and its ingredients followed by E7-NT (gp96) DNA vaccine against tumors expressing the E7 protein of human papillomavirus. The in vitro cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of aqueous saffron extract and its components were evaluated in malignant TC-1 and non-malignant COS-7 cell lines. Then, multimodality treatments using E7-NT (gp96) DNA vaccine combined with saffron extract and its ingredients as well as single-modality treatments were tested for their efficacy in inhibiting large and bulky tumor growth. Saffron and its components exerted a considerable anti-tumor effect through prevention of cell growth and stimulation of programmed cell death. Furthermore, 100 % of mice treated with crocin were tumor-free, in contrast to DNA vaccine alone (~66.7 %) and DNA + crocin (~33.3 %) indicating the high potency of crocin as a chemotherapeutic agent. Interestingly, the multimodality treatment using DNA vaccine along with picrocrocin augmented the anti-tumor effects of picrocrocin. Thus, the combination of DNA vaccine with saffron extract and crocin at certain concentrations did not potentiate protective and therapeutic effects compared to mono-therapies for the control of TC-1 tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Khavari
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Bolhassani A, Javanzad S, Saleh T, Hashemi M, Aghasadeghi MR, Sadat SM. Polymeric nanoparticles: potent vectors for vaccine delivery targeting cancer and infectious diseases. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 10:321-32. [PMID: 24128651 PMCID: PMC4185908 DOI: 10.4161/hv.26796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 10/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanocarriers with various compositions and biological properties have been extensively applied for in vitro/in vivo drug and gene delivery. The family of nanocarriers includes polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based carriers (liposomes/micelles), dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, and gold nanoparticles (nanoshells/nanocages). Among different delivery systems, polymeric carriers have several properties such as: easy to synthesize, inexpensive, biocompatible, biodegradable, non-immunogenic, non-toxic, and water soluble. In addition, cationic polymers seem to produce more stable complexes led to a more protection during cellular trafficking than cationic lipids. Nanoparticles often show significant adjuvant effects in vaccine delivery since they may be easily taken up by antigen presenting cells (APCs). Natural polymers such as polysaccharides and synthetic polymers have demonstrated great potential to form vaccine nanoparticles. The development of new adjuvants or delivery systems for DNA and protein immunization is an expanding research field. This review describes polymeric carriers especially PLGA, chitosan, and PEI as vaccine delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran, Iran
| | - Shabnam Javanzad
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran, Iran
- Department of genetics; Islamic Azad University; Tehran Medical Branch; Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Saleh
- Department of Nanobiotechnology; Faculty of Biological Sciences; Tarbiat Modares University; Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of genetics; Islamic Azad University; Tehran Medical Branch; Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran, Iran
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16
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Parhiz H, Shier WT, Ramezani M. From rationally designed polymeric and peptidic systems to sophisticated gene delivery nano-vectors. Int J Pharm 2013; 457:237-59. [PMID: 24060371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lack of safe, efficient and controllable methods for delivering therapeutic genes appears to be the most important factor preventing human gene therapy. Safety issues encountered with viral vectors have prompted substantial attention to in vivo investigations with non-viral vectors throughout the past decade. However, developing non-viral vectors with effectiveness comparable to viral ones has been a challenge. The strategy of designing multifunctional synthetic carriers targeting several extracellular and intracellular barriers in the gene transfer pathway has emerged as a promising approach to improving the efficacy of gene delivery systems. This review will explain how sophisticated synthetic vectors can be created by combining conventional polycationic vectors such as polyethylenimine and basic amino acid peptides with additional polymers and peptides that are designed to overcome potential barriers to the gene delivery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Parhiz
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 91775-1365, Mashhad, Iran
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Parhiz H, Hashemi M, Hatefi A, Shier WT, Amel Farzad S, Ramezani M. Arginine-rich hydrophobic polyethylenimine: potent agent with simple components for nucleic acid delivery. Int J Biol Macromol 2013; 60:18-27. [PMID: 23680600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Conjugation of various arginine-rich peptide sequences to vectors based on 10 kDa polyethylenimine (PEI) and its hydrophobic derivative (hexanoate-PEI) was investigated as a strategy for improving pDNA and siRNA transfection activities. Six different arginine-histidine (RH) sequences and two arginine-serine (RS) sequences with a range of R/H ratios were designed and coupled to PEI and hexanoate-PEI. All arginine-rich peptide derivatives of PEI significantly enhanced luciferase gene expression compared to PEI 10 kDa alone. Hexanoate-PEI derivatives exhibited higher transfection activity than underivatized PEI vectors. Improved transfection activity may have resulted at least in part from use of higher vector/DNA ratios made possible by reduced cytotoxicity of vectors, and to use of vectors with higher molecular weights. Vectors that were the most efficient in pDNA delivery and transfection were also the most effective in siRNA delivery and protein expression knock down.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Parhiz
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 91775-1365, Mashhad, Iran
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18
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Mohit E, Rafati S. Chemokine-based immunotherapy: delivery systems and combination therapies. Immunotherapy 2013; 4:807-40. [PMID: 22947009 DOI: 10.2217/imt.12.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A major role of chemokines is to mediate leukocyte migration through interaction with G-protein-coupled receptors. Various delivery systems have been developed to utilize the chemokine properties for combating disease. Viral and mutant viral vectors expressing chemokines, genetically modified dendritic cells with chemokine or chemokine receptors, engineered chemokine-expressing tumor cells and pDNA encoding chemokines are among these methods. Another approach for inducing a targeted immune response is fusion of a targeting antibody or antibody fragment to a chemokine. In addition, chemokines induce more effective antitumor immunity when used as adjuvants. In this regard, chemokines are codelivered along with antigens or fused as a targeting unit with antigenic moieties. In this review, several chemokines with their role in inducing immune response against different diseases are discussed, with a major emphasis on cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Mohit
- Molecular Immunology & Vaccine Research Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13164, Iran
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19
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Immunomodulatory effects of IP-10 chemokine along with PEI600-Tat delivery system in DNA vaccination against HPV infections. Mol Immunol 2013; 53:149-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2012] [Revised: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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20
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Bolhassani A. Potential efficacy of cell-penetrating peptides for nucleic acid and drug delivery in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2011; 1816:232-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2011.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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21
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Bolhassani A, Mohit E, Ghasemi N, Salehi M, Taghikhani M, Rafati S. Enhancement of potent immune responses to HPV16 E7 antigen by using different vaccine modalities. BMC Proc 2011. [DOI: 10.1186/1753-6561-5-s1-p19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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22
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Bolhassani A, Gholami E, Zahedifard F, Moradin N, Parsi P, Doustdari F, Seyed N, Papadopoulou B, Rafati S. Leishmania major: Protective capacity of DNA vaccine using amastin fused to HSV-1 VP22 and EGFP in BALB/c mice model. Exp Parasitol 2011; 128:9-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2010] [Revised: 01/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bolhassani A, Safaiyan S, Rafati S. Improvement of different vaccine delivery systems for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:3. [PMID: 21211062 PMCID: PMC3024302 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2010] [Accepted: 01/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccines are the promising tools in the hands of the clinical oncologist. Many tumor-associated antigens are excellent targets for immune therapy and vaccine design. Optimally designed cancer vaccines should combine the best tumor antigens with the most effective immunotherapy agents and/or delivery strategies to achieve positive clinical results. Various vaccine delivery systems such as different routes of immunization and physical/chemical delivery methods have been used in cancer therapy with the goal to induce immunity against tumor-associated antigens. Two basic delivery approaches including physical delivery to achieve higher levels of antigen production and formulation with microparticles to target antigen-presenting cells (APCs) have demonstrated to be effective in animal models. New developments in vaccine delivery systems will improve the efficiency of clinical trials in the near future. Among them, nanoparticles (NPs) such as dendrimers, polymeric NPs, metallic NPs, magnetic NPs and quantum dots have emerged as effective vaccine adjuvants for infectious diseases and cancer therapy. Furthermore, cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) have been known as attractive carrier having applications in drug delivery, gene transfer and DNA vaccination. This review will focus on the utilization of different vaccine delivery systems for prevention or treatment of cancer. We will discuss their clinical applications and the future prospects for cancer vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Bolhassani
- Molecular Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Safaiyan
- Molecular Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Rafati
- Molecular Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Zhang H, Gerson T, Varney ML, Singh RK, Vinogradov SV. Multifunctional peptide-PEG intercalating conjugates: programmatic of gene delivery to the blood-brain barrier. Pharm Res 2010; 27:2528-43. [PMID: 20824308 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-010-0256-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To enhance transfection efficacy of pDNA through the application of multifunctional peptide-PEG-tris-acridine conjugates (pPAC) and the formation of biodegradable core-shell polyplexes for gene delivery to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). METHODS pPAC-mediated transfection was compositionally optimized in mouse BBB cells (bEnd.3). Cellular uptake and trafficking, and brain accumulation of pDNA was evaluated by fluorescent imaging and histochemistry. We constructed anti-MRP4 siRNA-producing vectors and evaluated the efficacy of MRP4 down-regulation of MRP4 by Western blot and qPCR, and its effect on the uptake of (3)H-AZT, an MRP4 substrate. RESULTS A core-shell gene delivery system (GDS) was assembled from pDNA and pPAC, carrying multifunctional peptides with NLS, TAT, and brain-specific BH, or ApoE sequences, and biodegradable pLPEI polyamine. This GDS demonstrated better cellular and nuclear accumulation, and a 25-fold higher transfection efficacy in slow-dividing bEnd.3 cells compared to ExGen500. Inclusion of brain-targeting pPAC enhanced in vivo accumulation of functional pDNA in brain capillaries. Treatment by encapsulated anti-MRP4 siRNA-producing pDNA caused transient down-regulation of MRP4, and, after intravenous injection in Balb/c mice, enhanced AZT uptake in the brain by 230-270%. CONCLUSIONS The pPAC represent novel efficient components of GDS that could find various gene therapy applications, including genetic modulation of the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Zhang
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
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Hu XB, Yue QH, Ouyang HF, Chen YZ, Xu XQ, Yin W, Wei SH, Zhang XQ, Mu SJ. Immune response to fused core protein of hepatitis C virus and truncated tetanus toxin peptides in mice. Arch Virol 2010; 155:1097-105. [PMID: 20473626 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-010-0692-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Because no vaccine or effective therapy is available, thousands of people with HCV have died in recent years. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a critical role in the host cellular immune response against HCV. CTL epitopes in HCV core protein have been identified and used in vaccine development. T helper epitopes could promote cytokine secretion and antibody production to fight HCV. Tetanus toxin, an immunogen with many T helper epitopes, was once used in HBV therapeutic vaccine design. Here, eukaryotic and prokaryotic expression vectors were constructed to express truncated fragments of tetanus toxin and core genes of HCV. HLAA2.1 transgenic mice were inoculated with a recombinant plasmid vehicle with these two heterogenic gene fragments, and this augmented the titres of antibody against HCV. Antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation, Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels and the number of lysed cells were markedly increased in the combined immunization group compared to controls. These findings provide new insights into a potential role for T helper epitopes from tetanus toxin combined with protein from the HCV core gene, which has numerous CTL epitopes. This design strategy may aid in the development of new vaccines against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-bin Hu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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