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Qin Y, Ou L, Zha L, Zeng Y, Li L. Delivery of nucleic acids using nanomaterials. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:48. [PMID: 38092998 PMCID: PMC10719232 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00160-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of approved nucleic acid therapeutics demonstrates the potential for the prevention and treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases. This trend underscores the significant impact and promise of nucleic acid-based treatments in the field of medicine. Nevertheless, employing nucleic acids as therapeutics is challenging due to their susceptibility to degradation by nucleases and their unfavorable physicochemical characteristics that hinder delivery into cells. Appropriate vectors play a pivotal role in improving nucleic acid stability and delivering nucleic acids into specific cells. The maturation of delivery systems has led to breakthroughs in the development of therapeutics based on nucleic acids such as DNA, siRNA, and mRNA. Non-viral vectors have gained prominence among the myriad of nanomaterials due to low immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing, and simplicity of cost-effective, large-scale production. Here, we provide an overview of the recent advancements in nanomaterials for nucleic acid delivery. Specifically, we give a detailed introduction to the characteristics of polymers, lipids, and polymer-lipid hybrids, and provide comprehensive descriptions of their applications in nucleic acid delivery. Also, biological barriers, administration routes, and strategies for organ-selective delivery of nucleic acids are discussed. In summary, this review offers insights into the rational design of next-generation delivery vectors for nucleic acid delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Qin
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liyuan Ou
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lili Zha
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yue Zeng
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ling Li
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Psilopatis I, Karniadakis I, Danos KS, Vrettou K, Michaelidou K, Mavridis K, Agelaki S, Theocharis S. May EPH/Ephrin Targeting Revolutionize Lung Cancer Treatment? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010093. [PMID: 36613532 PMCID: PMC9820524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptors (EPHs) comprise the largest receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) family in mammals. EPHs along with their ligands, EPH-family receptor-interacting proteins (ephrins), have been found to be either up- or downregulated in LC cells, hence exhibiting a defining role in LC carcinogenesis and tumor progression. In their capacity as membrane-bound molecules, EPHs/ephrins may represent feasible targets in the context of precision cancer treatment. In order to investigate available therapeutics targeting the EPH/ephrin system in LC, a literature review was conducted, using the MEDLINE, LIVIVO, and Google Scholar databases. EPHA2 is the most well-studied EPH/ephrin target in LC treatment. The targeting of EPHA2, EPHA3, EPHA5, EPHA7, EPHB4, EPHB6, ephrin-A1, ephrin-A2, ephrin-B2, and ephrin-B3 in LC cells or xenograft models not only directly correlates with a profound LC suppression but also enriches the effects of well-established therapeutic regimens. However, the sole clinical trial incorporating a NSCLC patient could not describe objective anti-cancer effects after anti-EPHA2 antibody administration. Collectively, EPHs/ephrins seem to represent promising treatment targets in LC. However, large clinical trials still need to be performed, with a view to examining the effects of EPH/ephrin targeting in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iason Psilopatis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Gynecology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt—Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ioannis Karniadakis
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, “Laiko” General Hospital, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Stylianos Danos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kleio Vrettou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kleita Michaelidou
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, 71003 Herakleion, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Mavridis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013 Herakleion, Greece
| | - Sofia Agelaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, 71003 Herakleion, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Herakleion, Vassilika Vouton, 71110 Herakleion, Greece
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (S.T.)
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (S.T.)
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Hao Y, Li G. Role of EFNA1 in tumorigenesis and prospects for cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110567. [PMID: 32745910 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major threats to human health. It is of vital importance to reveal the mechanisms of tumorigenesis, identify effective biomarkers and develop novel treatments to improve patient outcome. EFNA1 (ephrinA1) is a member of the EFN family, and it has been studied extensively since its discovery in 1990. Increasing evidence indicates that EFNA1 plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of tumors. We provide a detailed overview of the expression and prognostic value of EFNA1 in different types of human malignancies. We briefly discuss the mechanisms of EFNA1 induction in hypoxic environments and its pro-angiogenic function in different cancer cells. We describe the effects of EFNA1 on tumor growth, invasiveness and metastasis. We summarize recent advances in EFNA1-associated cancer therapeutics with emphasis on the prospect of novel anti-tumor methods based on EFNA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongping Hao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Guang Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, 110001, China.
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Mokwena MG, Kruger CA, Ivan MT, Heidi A. A review of nanoparticle photosensitizer drug delivery uptake systems for photodynamic treatment of lung cancer. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2018; 22:147-154. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Abstract
The erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptor tyrosine kinase family plays important roles in developmental processes, adult tissue homeostasis, and various diseases. Interaction with Eph receptor-interacting protein (ephrin) ligands on the surface of neighboring cells triggers Eph receptor kinase-dependent signaling. The ephrins can also transmit signals, leading to bidirectional cell contact-dependent communication. Moreover, Eph receptors and ephrins can function independently of each other through interplay with other signaling systems. Given their involvement in many pathological conditions ranging from neurological disorders to cancer and viral infections, Eph receptors and ephrins are increasingly recognized as attractive therapeutic targets, and various strategies are being explored to modulate their expression and function. Eph receptor/ephrin upregulation in cancer cells, the angiogenic vasculature, and injured or diseased tissues also offer opportunities for Eph/ephrin-based targeted drug delivery and imaging. Thus, despite the challenges presented by the complex biology of the Eph receptor/ephrin system, exciting possibilities exist for therapies exploiting these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Barquilla
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037; ,
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Lee HY, Mohammed KA, Kaye F, Sharma P, Moudgil BM, Clapp WL, Nasreen N. Targeted delivery of let-7a microRNA encapsulated ephrin-A1 conjugated liposomal nanoparticles inhibit tumor growth in lung cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2013; 8:4481-94. [PMID: 24293999 PMCID: PMC3839802 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s41782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) are small noncoding RNA sequences that negatively regulate the expression of target genes by posttranscriptional repression. miRs are dysregulated in various diseases, including cancer. let-7a miR, an antioncogenic miR, is downregulated in lung cancers. Our earlier studies demonstrated that let-7a miR inhibits tumor growth in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and could be a potential therapeutic against lung cancer. EphA2 (ephrin type-A receptor 2) tyrosine kinase is overexpressed in most cancer cells, including MPM and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Ephrin-A1, a specific ligand of the EphA2 receptor, inhibits cell proliferation and migration. In this study, to enhance the delivery of miR, the miRs were encapsulated in the DOTAP (N-[1-(2.3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium)/Cholesterol/DSPE (1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[cyanur(polyethylene glycol)-2000])-PEG (polyethylene glycol)-cyanur liposomal nanoparticles (LNP) and ephrin-A1 was conjugated on the surface of LNP to target receptor EphA2 on lung cancer cells. The LNP with an average diameter of 100 nm showed high stability, low cytotoxicity, and high loading efficiency of precursor let-7a miR and ephrin-A1. The ephrin-A1 conjugated LNP (ephrin-A1–LNP) and let-7a miR encapsulated LNP (miR–LNP) showed improved transfection efficiency against MPM and NSCLC. The effectiveness of targeted delivery of let-7a miR encapsulated ephrin-A1 conjugated LNP (miR–ephrin-A1–LNP) was determined on MPM and NSCLC tumor growth in vitro. miR–ephrin-A1–LNP significantly increased the delivery of let-7a miR in lung cancer cells when compared with free let-7a miR. In addition, the expression of target gene Ras was significantly repressed following miR–ephrin-A1–LNP treatment. Furthermore, the miR–ephrin-A1–LNP complex significantly inhibited MPM and NSCLC proliferation, migration, and tumor growth. Our results demonstrate that the engineered miR–ephrin-A1–LNP complex is an effective carrier for the targeted delivery of small RNA molecules to lung cancer cells. This could be a potential therapeutic approach against tumors overexpressing the EphA2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Yen Lee
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine in the College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA ; Biomaterials Center, Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Ferluga S, Hantgan R, Goldgur Y, Himanen JP, Nikolov DB, Debinski W. Biological and structural characterization of glycosylation on ephrin-A1, a preferred ligand for EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:18448-57. [PMID: 23661698 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.464008] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase is overexpressed in a number of malignancies and is activated by ephrin ligands, most commonly by ephrin-A1. The crystal structure of the ligand-receptor complex revealed a glycosylation on the Asn-26 of ephrin-A1. Here we report for the first time the significance of the glycosylation in the biology of EphA2 and ephrin-A1. Ephrin-A1 was enzymatically deglycosylated, and its activity was evaluated in several assays using glioblastoma (GBM) cells and recombinant EphA2. We found that deglycosylated ephrin-A1 does not efficiently induce EphA2 receptor internalization and degradation, and does not activate the downstream signaling pathways involved in cell migration and proliferation. Data obtained by surface plasmon resonance confirms that deglycosylated ephrin-A1 does not bind EphA2 with high affinity. Mutations in the glycosylation site on ephrin-A1 result in protein aggregation and mislocalization. Analysis of Eph/ephrin crystal structures reveals an interaction between the ligand's carbohydrates and two residues of EphA2: Asp-78 and Lys-136. These findings suggest that the glycosylation on ephrin-A1 plays a critical role in the binding and activation of the EphA2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ferluga
- Department of Neurosurgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA
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Binda E, Visioli A, Giani F, Lamorte G, Copetti M, Pitter KL, Huse JT, Cajola L, Zanetti N, DiMeco F, De Filippis L, Mangiola A, Maira G, Anile C, De Bonis P, Reynolds BA, Pasquale EB, Vescovi AL. The EphA2 receptor drives self-renewal and tumorigenicity in stem-like tumor-propagating cells from human glioblastomas. Cancer Cell 2012; 22:765-80. [PMID: 23238013 PMCID: PMC3922047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In human glioblastomas (hGBMs), tumor-propagating cells with stem-like characteristics (TPCs) represent a key therapeutic target. We found that the EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase is overexpressed in hGBM TPCs. Cytofluorimetric sorting into EphA2(High) and EphA2(Low) populations demonstrated that EphA2 expression correlates with the size and tumor-propagating ability of the TPC pool in hGBMs. Both ephrinA1-Fc, which caused EphA2 downregulation in TPCs, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of EPHA2 expression suppressed TPCs self-renewal ex vivo and intracranial tumorigenicity, pointing to EphA2 downregulation as a causal event in the loss of TPCs tumorigenicity. Infusion of ephrinA1-Fc into intracranial xenografts elicited strong tumor-suppressing effects, suggestive of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Binda
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy.
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Li JJ, Xie D. The roles and therapeutic potentials of Ephs and ephrins in lung cancer. Exp Cell Res 2012; 319:152-9. [PMID: 22960108 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2012.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptors and their membrane-bound ephrin ligands are intimately involved in embryonic patterning, neuronal targeting, and vascular development during normal embryogenesis. In recent years, a growing number of studies revealed their participation in the development of various cancers. In this review, we concentrate on their involvement in lung cancer. In this context, we summarize their aberrant expressions, their pro- or anti-oncogenic effects as well as related mechanisms, and their potential as drug targets in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Li
- Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 294 Tai-Yuan Road, Shanghai 200031, PR China
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Rud AK, Lund-Iversen M, Berge G, Brustugun OT, Solberg SK, Mælandsmo GM, Boye K. Expression of S100A4, ephrin-A1 and osteopontin in non-small cell lung cancer. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:333. [PMID: 22853000 PMCID: PMC3458900 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The metastasis-promoting protein S100A4 induces expression of ephrin-A1 and osteopontin in osteosarcoma cell lines. The aim of this study was to investigate S100A4-mediated stimulation of ephrin-A1 and osteopontin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, and to characterize the expression of these biomarkers in primary tumor tissue from NSCLC patients. Methods Four NSCLC cell lines were treated with extracellular S100A4, and ephrin-A1 and osteopontin expression was analyzed by real time RT-PCR and Western blotting. Immunohistochemical staining for S100A4, ephrin-A1 and osteopontin was performed on tissue microarrays containing primary tumor samples from a cohort of 217 prospectively recruited NSCLC patients, and associations with clinicopathological parameters were investigated. Results S100A4 induced ephrin-A1 mRNA and protein expression in adenocarcinoma, but not in squamous carcinoma cell lines, whereas the level of osteopontin was unaffected by S100A4 treatment. In primary tumors, moderate or strong immunoreactivity was observed in 57% of cases for cytoplasmic S100A4, 46% for nuclear S100A4, 86% for ephrin-A1 and 77% for osteopontin. Interestingly, S100A4 expression was associated with ephrin-A1 also in vivo, but there was no association between S100A4 and osteopontin. Expression levels of S100A4 and ephrin-A1 were significantly higher in adenocarcinomas compared to other histological subtypes, and S100A4-positive tumors were smaller and more differentiated than tumors without expression. Conclusions Our findings suggest that S100A4, ephrin-A1 and osteopontin are involved in the biology of NSCLC, and further investigation of their potential use as biomarkers in NSCLC is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Kongsgaard Rud
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4953, Nydalen, NO-0424, Oslo, Norway
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Tandon M, Vemula SV, Sharma A, Ahi YS, Mittal S, Bangari DS, Mittal SK. EphrinA1-EphA2 interaction-mediated apoptosis and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 receptor ligand-induced immunotherapy inhibit tumor growth in a breast cancer mouse model. J Gene Med 2012; 14:77-89. [PMID: 22228563 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2 is overexpressed in several types of cancers and is currently being pursued as a target for breast cancer therapeutics. The EphA2 ligand EphrinA1 induces EphA2 phosphorylation and intracellular internalization and degradation, thus inhibiting tumor progression. The hematopoietic growth factor, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 receptor ligand (Flt3L), promotes expansion and mobilization of functional dendritic cells. METHODS We tested the EphrinA1-EphA2 interaction in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells focusing on the receptor-ligand-mediated apoptosis of breast cancer cells. To determine whether EphrinA1-EphA2 interaction-associated apoptosis and Flt3L-mediated immunotherapy would have an additive effect in inhibiting tumor growth, we used an immunocompetent mouse model of breast cancer to evaluate intratumoral (i.t.) inoculation strategies with human adenovirus (HAd) vectors expressing either EphrinA1 (HAd-EphrinA1-Fc), Flt3L (HAd-Flt3L) or a combination of EphrinA1-Fc + Flt3L (HAd-EphrinA1-Fc + HAd-Flt3L). RESULTS In vitro analysis demonstrated that an EphrinA1-EphA2 interaction led to apoptosis-related changes in breast cancer cells. In vivo, three i.t. inoculations of HAd-EphrinA1-Fc showed potent inhibition of tumor growth. Furthermore, increased inhibition in tumor growth was observed with the combination of HAd-EphrinA1-Fc and HAd-Flt3L accompanied by the generation of an anti-tumor adaptive immune response. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in the present study, indicating the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of mammary tumor growth, show the potential therapeutic benefits of HAd-EphrinA1-Fc. In combination with HAd-Flt3L, this represents a promising strategy for effectively inducing mammary tumor regression by HAd vector-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Tandon
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, and Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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