1
|
Singh N, Kumari V, Agrawal K, Kulshreshtha M. Molecular Pathway, Epidemiological Data and Treatment Strategies of Fungal Infection (Mycoses): A Comprehensive Review. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem 2024; 24:68-81. [PMID: 38305394 DOI: 10.2174/0118715249274215231205062701] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The recent increase in fungal infections is a health crisis. This surge is directly tied to the increase in immunocompromised people caused by changes in medical practice, such as the use of harsh chemotherapy and immunosuppressive medicines. Immunosuppressive disorders such as HIV have exacerbated the situation dramatically. Subcutaneous or superficial fungal infections can harm the skin, keratinous tissues, and mucous membranes. This category includes some of the most common skin disorders that impact millions of people worldwide. Despite the fact that they are seldom fatal, they can have a catastrophic impact on a person's quality of life and, in rare situations, spread to other people or become obtrusive. The majority of fungal infections under the skin and on the surface are simply and quickly cured. An opportunistic organism that preys on a weak host or a natural intruder can both result in systemic fungal infections. Furthermore, it might be exceedingly lethal and dangerous to one's life. Dimorphic fungi may pose a hazard to healthy populations that are not exposed to endemic fungi. Increased surveillance, the availability of quick, noninvasive diagnostic tests, monitoring the emergence of antifungal medication resistance, and research on the pathophysiology, prevention, and management of fungal infections are just a few potential solutions to these new health problems. The goal of this review is to summarize the data available for fungal infections and the different therapies which are involved in their treatment. Additionally, it also summarizes the molecular and scientific data of the plants which contain anti-fungal activity. Data are acquired using Google, PubMed, Scholar, and other online sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vibha Kumari
- Rajiv Academy for Pharmacy, Mathura (U.P.), India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Naik A, Leask A. Tumor-Associated Fibrosis Impairs the Response to Immunotherapy. Matrix Biol 2023; 119:125-140. [PMID: 37080324 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Previously, impaired responses to immunotherapy in cancer had been attributed mainly to inherent tumor characteristics (tumor cell intrinsic factors) such as low immunogenicity, (low) mutational burden, weak host immune system, etc. However, mapping the responses of immunotherapeutic regimes in clinical trials for different types of cancer has pointed towards an obvious commonality - that tumors with a rich fibrotic stroma respond poorly or not at all. This has prompted a harder look on tumor cell extrinsic factors such as the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and specifically, the fibrotic stroma as a potential enabler of immunotherapy failure. Indeed, the role of cancer-associated fibrosis in impeding efficacy of immunotherapy is now well-established. In fact, recent studies reveal a complex interconnection between fibrosis and treatment efficacy. Accordingly, in this review we provide a general overview of what a tumor associated fibrotic reaction is and how it interacts with the members of immune system that are frequently seen to be modulated in a failed immunotherapeutic regime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angha Naik
- University of Saskatchewan, College of Dentistry, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Andrew Leask
- University of Saskatchewan, College of Dentistry, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gong L, Yang Z, Zhang F, Gao W. Cytokine conjugates to elastin-like polypeptides. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 190:114541. [PMID: 36126792 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are a group of pleiotropic proteins which are crucial for various biological processes and useful as therapeutics. However, they usually suffer from the poor stability, extreme short circulation half-life, difficulty in high-yield and large-scale production and side effects, which greatly restricts their applications. Over the past decades, conjugation of cytokines with elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs), a type of promising biomaterials, have showed great potential in solving these challenges due to ELP's thermal responsiveness, excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, non-immunogenicity, and ease of design and control at the genetic level. This review presents recent progress in the design and production of a variety of ELP conjugated cytokines for extended circulation, enhanced stability, increased soluble protein expression, simplified purification, improved drug delivery, and controlled release. Notably, the unique thermoresponsive properties of cytokine-ELP conjugates make it possible to self-assemble into micelles with drastically extended circulatory half-life for targeted delivery or to in situ form drug depots for topical administration and controlled release. The challenges and issues in the emerging field are further discussed and the future directions are pointed out at the end of this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Like Gong
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; Biomedical Engineering Department, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University-Yunnan Baiyao International Medical Research Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhaoying Yang
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; Biomedical Engineering Department, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University-Yunnan Baiyao International Medical Research Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; Biomedical Engineering Department, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University-Yunnan Baiyao International Medical Research Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Weiping Gao
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; Biomedical Engineering Department, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University-Yunnan Baiyao International Medical Research Center, Beijing 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ademe M. Immunomodulation for the Treatment of Fungal Infections: Opportunities and Challenges. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:469. [PMID: 33042859 PMCID: PMC7522196 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic fungal infections are major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with single or multiple defects in their immunity. Antifungal agents targeting the pathogen remain the treatment of choice for fungal infections. However, antifungal agents are toxic to the host mainly due to the close evolutionary similarity of fungi and humans. Moreover, antifungal therapy is ineffective in patients with immunosuppression. For this reason, there is an increased demand to develop novel strategies to enhance immune function and augment the existing antifungal drugs. In recent times, targeting the immune system to improve impaired host immune responses becomes a reasonable approach to improve the effectiveness of antifungal drugs. In this regard, immunomodulating therapeutic agents that turn up the immune response in the fight against fungal infections hold promise for enhancing the efficacy and safety of conventional antifungal therapy. In general, immunomodulating therapies are safe with decreased risk of resistance and broad spectrum of activity. In this review, therefore, clinical evidences supporting the opportunities and challenges of immunomodulation therapies in the treatment of invasive fungal infections are included.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muluneh Ademe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zocchi MR, Tosetti F, Benelli R, Poggi A. Cancer Nanomedicine Special Issue Review Anticancer Drug Delivery with Nanoparticles: Extracellular Vesicles or Synthetic Nanobeads as Therapeutic Tools for Conventional Treatment or Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071886. [PMID: 32668783 PMCID: PMC7409190 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Both natural and synthetic nanoparticles have been proposed as drug carriers in cancer treatment, since they can increase drug accumulation in target tissues, optimizing the therapeutic effect. As an example, extracellular vesicles (EV), including exosomes (Exo), can become drug vehicles through endogenous or exogenous loading, amplifying the anticancer effects at the tumor site. In turn, synthetic nanoparticles (NP) can carry therapeutic molecules inside their core, improving solubility and stability, preventing degradation, and controlling their release. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in nanotechnology applied for theranostic use, distinguishing between passive and active targeting of these vehicles. In addition, examples of these models are reported: EV as transporters of conventional anticancer drugs; Exo or NP as carriers of small molecules that induce an anti-tumor immune response. Finally, we focus on two types of nanoparticles used to stimulate an anticancer immune response: Exo carried with A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease-10 inhibitors and NP loaded with aminobisphosphonates. The former would reduce the release of decoy ligands that impair tumor cell recognition, while the latter would activate the peculiar anti-tumor response exerted by γδ T cells, creating a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Division of Immunology Transplants and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Francesca Tosetti
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.T.); (R.B.)
| | - Roberto Benelli
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.T.); (R.B.)
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.T.); (R.B.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Park M, Vaikari VP, Dhandhukia JP, Alachkar H, MacKay JA. Human Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Fused to Elastin-Like Polypeptides Assembles Biologically-Active Nanoparticles. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:1551-1561. [PMID: 32319752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (hGMCSF) is crucial in the immune system as it stimulates survival, proliferation, differentiation, and functional activation of myeloid hematopoietic cells. hGMCSF is integral to approved therapies, including monoclonal antibodies against checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptors, and prevention of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Recombinant hGMCSF can be purified from Escherichia. coli; however, it forms inclusion bodies that require solubilization and refolding. Alternatively, this manuscript describes its fusion with an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP). Previously reported as purification tags and solubility enhancers, ELPs are recombinant polypeptides that undergo reversible temperature-dependent phase separation. This report is the first to show that fusion to an ELP enables direct purification of hGMCSF fusions from the soluble fraction of bacterial lysate. Surprisingly, these ELP-fusions assemble stable, small, spherical nanoparticles that maintain pro-mitotic activity of hGMCSF. These nanoparticles exhibit ELP-mediated phase separation; however, nanoparticle assembly significantly increases the entropic and enthalpic cost of phase separation compared to ELP alone. The attachment of a high molecular weight ELP to a difficult-to-express protein, like hGMCSF, appears to be a useful strategy to stabilize bioactive, protein-based nanoparticles, which may have broad applications in medicine and biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mincheol Park
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Vijaya P Vaikari
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Jugal P Dhandhukia
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Houda Alachkar
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States.,USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - J Andrew MacKay
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yan Y, Xue QJ, Liu A, Wang H, Zhang H, Wang S, Zhao L, Li Y, Li X, Yang Y, Chen T, Li S. EB virus-positive tumors are inhibited by rBCG expressing hGM-CSF and LMP2A. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:654-663. [PMID: 31567046 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1670593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
For the development of safe and effective EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) vaccines, the Ag85A signal peptide from M. tuberculosis H37Rv was used to construct a recombinant secretory BCG (Bacillus Chalmette-Guérin) plasmid. The Ag85A gene, fused to the EBV LMP2A (latent membrane protein) and hGM-CSF (human granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor) genes, was inserted into the pMV261 vector (secretory BCG plasmid). The expression levels of the hGM-CSF and LMP2A proteins in rBCG (recombinant BCG) were measured by Western blot analysis. Humoral immunity, cellular immunity, and antitumor effects were determined by a series of experiments. The recombinant pMVGCA plasmid effectively expressed GCA (hGM-CSF and LMP2A fusion protein) in BCG after transformation, and the rBCG proteins were recognized by antibodies against hGM-CSF and LMP2A. Six weeks after immunization, the maximum dose of rBCG resulted in antibody titers of 1:19,800 (hGM-CSF antibody) and 1:21,800 (LMP2A antibody). When the effector:target ratio was 40:1, specific lysis was maximal and approximately two times stronger than that in mice immunized with the control. Tumorigenicity was lower in the rBCG treatment group, with a tumor inhibition rate of 0.81 ± 0.09 compared with the control groups. EB virus-positive tumors are inhibited by rBCG expressing an hGM-CSF and LMP2A fusion protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingchun Yan
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Qing-Jie Xue
- School of Basic Medical, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Ang Liu
- School of Basic Medical, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Basic Medical, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Honghua Zhang
- School of Basic Medical, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- School of Basic Medical, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Longyu Zhao
- School of Basic Medical, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Yunqing Li
- School of Basic Medical, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Xiuzhen Li
- School of Basic Medical, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- School of Basic Medical, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Ting Chen
- School of Basic Medical, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Shigen Li
- School of Basic Medical, Jining Medical University, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Khambhati K, Bhattacharjee G, Gohil N, Braddick D, Kulkarni V, Singh V. Exploring the Potential of Cell-Free Protein Synthesis for Extending the Abilities of Biological Systems. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:248. [PMID: 31681738 PMCID: PMC6797904 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) system is a simple, rapid, and sensitive tool that is devoid of membrane-bound barriers, yet contains all the mandatory substrates, biomolecules, and machineries required for the synthesis of the desired proteins. It has the potential to overcome loopholes in the current in vivo production systems and is a promising tool in both basic and applied scientific research. It facilitates a simplified organization of desired experiments with a variety of reaction conditions, making CFPS a powerful tool in biological research. It has been used for the expansion of genetic code, assembly of viruses, and in metabolic engineering for production of toxic and complex proteins. Subsequently, CFPS systems have emerged as potent technology for high-throughput production of membrane proteins, enzymes, and therapeutics. The present review highlights the recent advances and uses of CFPS systems in biomedical, therapeutic, and biotechnological applications. Additionally, we highlight possible solutions to the potential biosafety issues that may be encountered while using CFPS technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khushal Khambhati
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Gargi Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Nisarg Gohil
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, India
| | | | - Vishwesh Kulkarni
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Campos JC, Cunha JD, Ferreira DC, Reis S, Costa PJ. Challenges in the local delivery of peptides and proteins for oral mucositis management. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2018; 128:131-146. [PMID: 29702221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oral mucositis, a common inflammatory side effect of oncological treatments, is a disorder of the oral mucosa that can cause painful ulcerations, local motor disabilities, and an increased risk of infections. Due to the discomfort it produces and the associated health risks, it can lead to cancer treatment restrains, such as the need for dose reduction, cycle delays or abandonment. Current mucositis management has low efficiency in prevention and treatment. A topical drug application for a local action can be a more effective approach than systemic routes when addressing oral cavity pathologies. Local delivery of growth factors, antibodies, and anti-inflammatory cytokines have shown promising results. However, due to the peptide and protein nature of these novel agents, and the several anatomic, physiological and environmental challenges of the oral cavity, their local action might be limited when using traditional delivering systems. This review is an awareness of the issues and strategies in the local delivery of macromolecules for the management of oral mucositis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João C Campos
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal(1).
| | - João D Cunha
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal(1)
| | - Domingos C Ferreira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal(1)
| | - Salette Reis
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal(1)
| | - Paulo J Costa
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal(1)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Background Immunotherapy consists of activating the patient’s immune system to fight cancer and has the great potential of preventing future relapses thanks to immunological memory. A great variety of strategies have emerged to harness the immune system against tumors, from the administration of immunomodulatory agents that activate immune cells, to therapeutic vaccines or infusion of previously activated cancer-specific T cells. However, despite great recent progress many difficulties still remain, which prevent the widespread use of immunotherapy. Some of these limitations include: systemic toxicity, weak immune cellular responses or persistence over time and most ultimately costly and time-consuming procedures. Main body Synthetic and natural biomaterials hold great potential to address these hurdles providing biocompatible systems capable of targeted local delivery, co-delivery, and controlled and/or sustained release. In this review we discuss some of the bioengineered solutions and approaches developed so far and how biomaterials can be further implemented to help and shape the future of cancer immunotherapy. Conclusion The bioengineering strategies here presented constitute a powerful toolkit to develop safe and successful novel cancer immunotherapies.
Collapse
|