1
|
Sun L, Hristova K, Bondar AN, Wimley WC. Structural Determinants of Peptide Nanopore Formation. ACS NANO 2024; 18:15831-15844. [PMID: 38844421 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02824] [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: 06/19/2024]
Abstract
We have evolved the nanopore-forming macrolittin peptides from the bee venom peptide melittin using successive generations of synthetic molecular evolution. Despite their sequence similarity to the broadly membrane permeabilizing cytolytic melittin, the macrolittins have potent membrane selectivity. They form nanopores in synthetic bilayers made from 1-palmitoyl, 2-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) at extremely low peptide concentrations and yet have essentially no cytolytic activity against any cell membrane, even at high concentration. Here, we explore the structural determinants of macrolittin nanopore stability in POPC bilayers using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and experiments on macrolittins and single-site variants. Simulations of macrolittin nanopores in POPC bilayers show that they are stabilized by an extensive, cooperative hydrogen bond network comprised of the many charged and polar side chains interacting with each other via bridges of water molecules and lipid headgroups. Lipid molecules with unusual conformations participate in the H-bond network and are an integral part of the nanopore structure. To explore the role of this H-bond network on membrane selectivity, we swapped three critical polar residues with the nonpolar residues found in melittin. All variants have potency, membrane selectivity, and cytotoxicity that were intermediate between a cytotoxic melittin variant called MelP5 and the macrolittins. Simulations showed that the variants had less organized H-bond networks of waters and lipids with unusual structures. The membrane-spanning, cooperative H-bond network is a critical determinant of macrolittin nanopore stability and membrane selectivity. The results described here will help guide the future design and optimization of peptide nanopore-based applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leisheng Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Ana-Nicoleta Bondar
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Atomiştilor 405, Măgurele 077125, Romania
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Computational Biomedicine, IAS-5/INM-9, Wilhelm-Johnen Straße, 5428 Jülich, Germany
| | - William C Wimley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chary PS, Shaikh S, Rajana N, Bhavana V, Mehra NK. Unlocking nature's arsenal: Nanotechnology for targeted delivery of venom toxins in cancer therapy. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 162:213903. [PMID: 38824828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present review is to shed light on the nanotechnological approaches adopted to overcome the shortcomings associated with the delivery of venom peptides which possess inherent anti-cancer properties. BACKGROUND Venom peptides although have been reported to demonstrate anti-cancer effects, they suffer from several disadvantages such as in vivo instability, off-target adverse effects, limited drug loading and low bioavailability. This review presents a comprehensive compilation of different classes of nanocarriers while underscoring their advantages, disadvantages and potential to carry such peptide molecules for in vivo delivery. It also discusses various nanotechnological aspects such as methods of fabrication, analytical tools to assess these nanoparticulate formulations, modulation of nanocarrier polymer properties to enhance loading capacity, stability and improve their suitability to carry toxic peptide drugs. CONCLUSION Nanotechnological approaches bear great potential in delivering venom peptide-based molecules as anticancer agents by enhancing their bioavailability, stability, efficacy as well as offering a spatiotemporal delivery approach. However, the challenges associated with toxicity and biocompatibility of nanocarriers must be duly addressed. PERSPECTIVES The everlasting quest for new breakthroughs for safer delivery of venom peptides in human subjects is fuelled by unmet clinical needs in the current landscape of chemotherapy. In addition, exhaustive efforts are required in obtaining and purifying the venom peptides followed by designing and optimizing scale up technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Padakanti Sandeep Chary
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Samia Shaikh
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Naveen Rajana
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Valamla Bhavana
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Neelesh Kumar Mehra
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang HQ, Sun C, Xu N, Liu W. The current landscape of the antimicrobial peptide melittin and its therapeutic potential. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1326033. [PMID: 38318188 PMCID: PMC10838977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1326033] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Melittin, a main component of bee venom, is a cationic amphiphilic peptide with a linear α-helix structure. It has been reported that melittin can exert pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. In particular, melittin may be beneficial for the treatment of diseases for which no specific clinical therapeutic agents exist. Melittin can effectively enhance the therapeutic properties of some first-line drugs. Elucidating the mechanism underlying melittin-mediated biological function can provide valuable insights for the application of melittin in disease intervention. However, in melittin, the positively charged amino acids enables it to directly punching holes in cell membranes. The hemolysis in red cells and the cytotoxicity triggered by melittin limit its applications. Melittin-based nanomodification, immuno-conjugation, structural regulation and gene technology strategies have been demonstrated to enhance the specificity, reduce the cytotoxicity and limit the off-target cytolysis of melittin, which suggests the potential of melittin to be used clinically. This article summarizes research progress on antiviral, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties of melittin, and discusses the strategies of melittin-modification for its future potential clinical applications in preventing drug resistance, enhancing the selectivity to target cells and alleviating cytotoxic effects to normal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Qian Zhang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chengbiao Sun
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Na Xu
- Academic Affairs Office, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin, China
| | - Wensen Liu
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang A, Zheng Y, Zhu W, Yang L, Yang Y, Peng J. Melittin-Based Nano-Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010118. [PMID: 35053266 PMCID: PMC8773652 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melittin (MEL) is a 26-amino acid polypeptide with a variety of pharmacological and toxicological effects, which include strong surface activity on cell lipid membranes, hemolytic activity, and potential anti-tumor properties. However, the clinical application of melittin is restricted due to its severe hemolytic activity. Different nanocarrier systems have been developed to achieve stable loading, side effects shielding, and tumor-targeted delivery, such as liposomes, cationic polymers, lipodisks, etc. In addition, MEL can be modified on nano drugs as a non-selective cytolytic peptide to enhance cellular uptake and endosomal/lysosomal escape. In this review, we discuss recent advances in MEL’s nano-delivery systems and MEL-modified nano drug carriers for cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
5
|
|
6
|
An overview of the bioactive compounds, therapeutic properties and toxic effects of apitoxin. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 134:110864. [PMID: 31574265 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
7
|
Bee Venom: Overview of Main Compounds and Bioactivities for Therapeutic Interests. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24162997. [PMID: 31430861 PMCID: PMC6720840 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24162997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apitherapy is an alternate therapy that relies on the usage of honeybee products, most importantly bee venom for the treatment of many human diseases. The venom can be introduced into the human body by manual injection or by direct bee stings. Bee venom contains several active molecules such as peptides and enzymes that have advantageous potential in treating inflammation and central nervous system diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Moreover, bee venom has shown promising benefits against different types of cancer as well as anti-viral activity, even against the challenging human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Many studies described biological activities of bee venom components and launched preclinical trials to improve the potential use of apitoxin and its constituents as the next generation of drugs. The aim of this review is to summarize the main compounds of bee venom, their primary biological properties, mechanisms of action, and their therapeutic values in alternative therapy strategies.
Collapse
|
8
|
Dos Santos AP, de Araújo TG, Rádis-Baptista G. Nanoparticles Functionalized with Venom-Derived Peptides and Toxins for Pharmaceutical Applications. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2019; 21:97-109. [PMID: 31223083 DOI: 10.2174/1389201020666190621104624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Venom-derived peptides display diverse biological and pharmacological activities, making them useful in drug discovery platforms and for a wide range of applications in medicine and pharmaceutical biotechnology. Due to their target specificities, venom peptides have the potential to be developed into biopharmaceuticals to treat various health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic pain. Despite the high potential for drug development, several limitations preclude the direct use of peptides as therapeutics and hamper the process of converting venom peptides into pharmaceuticals. These limitations include, for instance, chemical instability, poor oral absorption, short halflife, and off-target cytotoxicity. One strategy to overcome these disadvantages relies on the formulation of bioactive peptides with nanocarriers. A range of biocompatible materials are now available that can serve as nanocarriers and can improve the bioavailability of therapeutic and venom-derived peptides for clinical and diagnostic application. Examples of isolated venom peptides and crude animal venoms that have been encapsulated and formulated with different types of nanomaterials with promising results are increasingly reported. Based on the current data, a wealth of information can be collected regarding the utilization of nanocarriers to encapsulate venom peptides and render them bioavailable for pharmaceutical use. Overall, nanomaterials arise as essential components in the preparation of biopharmaceuticals that are based on biological and pharmacological active venom-derived peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Dos Santos
- Program of Post-graduation in Pharmaceutical Sciences (FFEO/UFC), Federal University of Ceara, Ceara, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li X, Sui Z, Li X, Xu W, Guo Q, Sun J, Jing F. Perfluorooctylbromide nanoparticles for ultrasound imaging and drug delivery. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:3053-3067. [PMID: 29872293 PMCID: PMC5975599 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s164905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Perfluorooctylbromide nanoparticles (PFOB NPs) are a type of multifunctional nanotechnology that has been studied for various medical applications. Commercial ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) suffer from the following limitations: short half-lives in vivo, high background signal and restricted distribution in the vascular circulation due to their micrometer dimensions. PFOB NPs are new potential UCAs that persist for long periods in the circulatory system, possess a relatively stable echogenic response without increasing the background signal and exhibit lower acoustic attenuation than commercial UCAs. Furthermore, PFOB NPs may also serve as drug delivery vehicles in which drugs are dissolved in the outer lipid or polymer layer for subsequent delivery to target sites in site-targeted therapy. The use of PFOB NPs as carriers has the potential advantage of selectively delivering payloads to the target site while improving visualization of the site using ultrasound (US) imaging. Unfortunately, the application of PFOB NPs to the field of ultrasonography has been limited because of the low intensity of US reflection. Numerous researchers have realized the potential use of PFOB NPs as UCAs and thus have developed alternative approaches to apply PFOB NPs in ultrasonography. In this article, we review the latest approaches for using PFOB NPs to enhance US imaging in vivo. In addition, this article emphasizes the application of PFOB NPs as promising drug delivery carriers for cancer and atherosclerosis treatments, as PFOB NPs can transport different drug payloads for various applications with good efficacy. We also note the challenges and future study directions for the application of PFOB NPs as both a delivery system for therapeutic agents and a diagnostic agent for ultrasonography.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongguo Sui
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qie Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jialin Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanbo Jing
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kyung H, Kim H, Lee H, Lee SJ. Enhanced intracellular delivery of macromolecules by melittin derivatives mediated cellular uptake. J IND ENG CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2017.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
11
|
Talkar S, Dhoble S, Majumdar A, Patravale V. Transmucosal Nanoparticles: Toxicological Overview. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1048:37-57. [PMID: 29453531 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-72041-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles have specific physicochemical properties different to bulk materials of the same composition and such properties make them very attractive for commercial and medical applications. Mucoadhesive nanoparticulate dosage forms are designed to enable prolonged retention of these nanoparticles at the site of application, providing a controlled drug release for improved therapeutic outcome. Moreover, drug delivery across the mucosa bypasses the first-pass hepatic metabolism and avoids the degradation by gastrointestinal enzymes. However, like most new technologies, there is a rising debate concerning the possible transmucosal side effects resulting from the use of particles at the nano level. In fact, these nanoparticles on entering the body, deposit in several organs and may cause adverse biological reactions by modifying the physiochemical properties of living matter. Several investigators have found nanoparticles responsible for toxicity in different organs. In addition, the toxicity of nanoparticles also depends on whether they are persistent or cleared from the different organs of entry and whether the host can raise an effective response to sequester or dispose of the particles. In contrast to many efforts aimed at exploiting desirable properties of nanoparticles for medicine, there are limited attempts to evaluate potentially undesirable effects of these particles when administered intentionally for medical purposes. This chapter focuses on the overview of the mucosal systems, fate of nanoparticles, mechanism of nanoparticle's toxicity and the various toxicity issues associated with nanoparticles through mucosal routes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swapnil Talkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Sagar Dhoble
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Anuradha Majumdar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Bombay College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India
| | - Vandana Patravale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Socarras KM, Theophilus PAS, Torres JP, Gupta K, Sapi E. Antimicrobial Activity of Bee Venom and Melittin against Borrelia burgdorferi. Antibiotics (Basel) 2017; 6:antibiotics6040031. [PMID: 29186026 PMCID: PMC5745474 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics6040031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is a tick-borne, multi-systemic disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Though antibiotics are used as a primary treatment, relapse often occurs after the discontinuation of antimicrobial agents. The reason for relapse remains unknown, however previous studies suggest the possible presence of antibiotic resistant Borrelia round bodies, persisters and attached biofilm forms. Thus, there is an urgent need to find antimicrobial agents suitable to eliminate all known forms of B. burgdorferi. In this study, natural antimicrobial agents such as Apis mellifera venom and a known component, melittin, were tested using SYBR Green I/PI, direct cell counting, biofilm assays combined with LIVE/DEAD and atomic force microscopy methods. The obtained results were compared to standalone and combinations of antibiotics such as Doxycycline, Cefoperazone, Daptomycin, which were recently found to be effective against Borrelia persisters. Our findings showed that both bee venom and melittin had significant effects on all the tested forms of B. burgdorferi. In contrast, the control antibiotics when used individually or even in combinations had limited effects on the attached biofilm form. These findings strongly suggest that whole bee venom or melittin could be effective antimicrobial agents for B. burgdorferi; however, further research is necessary to evaluate their effectiveness in vivo, as well as their safe and effective delivery method for their therapeutic use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M Socarras
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06519, USA.
| | - Priyanka A S Theophilus
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06519, USA.
| | - Jason P Torres
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06519, USA.
| | - Khusali Gupta
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06519, USA.
| | - Eva Sapi
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06519, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lai H, Chen F, Lu M, Stenzel MH, Xiao P. Polypeptide-Grafted Nanodiamonds for Controlled Release of Melittin to Treat Breast Cancer. ACS Macro Lett 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.7b00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haiwang Lai
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular
Design, School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fan Chen
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular
Design, School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mingxia Lu
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular
Design, School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Martina H. Stenzel
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular
Design, School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pu Xiao
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular
Design, School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Brako F, Mahalingam S, Rami-Abraham B, Craig DQM, Edirisinghe M. Application of nanotechnology for the development of microbicides. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 28:052001. [PMID: 28032619 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/28/5/052001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The vaginal route is increasingly being considered for both local and systemic delivery of drugs, especially those unsuitable for oral administration. One of the opportunities offered by this route but yet to be fully utilised is the administration of microbicides. Microbicides have an unprecedented potential for mitigating the global burden from HIV infection as heterosexual contact accounts for most of the new infections occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest prevalent rates. Decades of efforts and massive investment of resources into developing an ideal microbicide have resulted in disappointing outcomes, as attested by several clinical trials assessing the suitability of those formulated so far. The highly complex and multi-level biochemical interactions that must occur among the virus, host cells and the drug for transmission to be halted means that a less sophisticated approach to formulating a microbicide e.g. conventional gels, etc may have to give way for a different formulation approach. Nanotechnology has been identified to offer prospects for fabricating structures with high capability of disrupting HIV transmission. In this review, predominant challenges seen in microbicide development have been highlighted and possible ways of surmounting them suggested. Furthermore, formulations utilising some of these highly promising nanostructures such as liposomes, nanofibres and nanoparticles have been discussed. A perspective on how a tripartite collaboration among governments and their agencies, the pharmaceutical industry and academic scientists to facilitate the development of an ideal microbicide in a timely manner has also been briefly deliberated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francis Brako
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK. University College London, School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Peskova M, Heger Z, Janda P, Adam V, Pekarik V. An enzymatic assay based on luciferase Ebola virus-like particles for evaluation of virolytic activity of antimicrobial peptides. Peptides 2017; 88:87-96. [PMID: 28012857 PMCID: PMC7115697 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are currently considered as promising antiviral compounds. Current assays to evaluate the effectivity of peptides against enveloped viruses based on liposomes or hemolysis are encumbered by the artificial nature of liposomes or distinctive membrane composition of used erythrocytes. We propose a novel assay system based on enzymatic Ebola virus-like particles containing sensitive luciferase reporter. The assay was validated with several cationic and anionic peptides and compared with lentivirus inactivation and hemolytic assays. The assay is sensitive and easy to perform in standard biosafety level laboratory with potential for high-throughput screens. The use of virus-like particles in the assay provides a system as closely related to the native viruses as possible eliminating some issues associated with other more artificial set ups. We have identified CAM-W (KWKLWKKIEKWGQGIGAVLKWLTTWL) as a peptide with the greatest antiviral activity against infectious lentiviral vectors and filoviral virus-like particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Peskova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czechia.
| | - Zbynek Heger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University, 613 00 Brno, Czechia; Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Brno University of Technology, 616 00 Brno, Czechia.
| | - Petr Janda
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czechia.
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University, 613 00 Brno, Czechia; Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Brno University of Technology, 616 00 Brno, Czechia.
| | - Vladimir Pekarik
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czechia; Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czechia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
das Neves J, Nunes R, Rodrigues F, Sarmento B. Nanomedicine in the development of anti-HIV microbicides. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 103:57-75. [PMID: 26829288 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prevention plays an invaluable role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The use of microbicides is considered an interesting potential approach for topical pre-exposure prophylaxis of HIV sexual transmission. The prospects of having an effective product available are expected to be fulfilled in the near future as driven by recent and forthcoming results of clinical trials. Different dosage forms and delivery strategies have been proposed and tested for multiple microbicide drug candidates presently at different stages of the development pipeline. One particularly interesting approach comprises the application of nanomedicine principles to the development of novel anti-HIV microbicides, but its implications to efficacy and safety are not yet fully understood. Nanotechnology-based systems, either presenting inherent anti-HIV activity or acting as drug nanocarriers, may significantly influence features such as drug solubility, stability of active payloads, drug release, interactions between active moieties and virus/cells, intracellular drug delivery, drug targeting, safety, antiviral activity, mucoadhesive behavior, drug distribution and tissue penetration, and pharmacokinetics. The present manuscript provides a comprehensive and holistic overview of these topics as relevant to the development of vaginal and rectal microbicides. In particular, recent advances pertaining inherently active microbicide nanosystems and microbicide drug nanocarriers are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José das Neves
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde & Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Gandra, Portugal.
| | - Rute Nunes
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisca Rodrigues
- REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde & Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Gandra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Palekar RU, Jallouk AP, Lanza GM, Pan H, Wickline SA. Molecular imaging of atherosclerosis with nanoparticle-based fluorinated MRI contrast agents. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2016; 10:1817-32. [PMID: 26080701 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.15.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As atherosclerosis remains one of the most prevalent causes of patient mortality, the ability to diagnose early signs of plaque rupture and thrombosis represents a significant clinical need. With recent advances in nanotechnology, it is now possible to image specific molecular processes noninvasively with MRI, using various types of nanoparticles as contrast agents. In the context of cardiovascular disease, it is possible to specifically deliver contrast agents to an epitope of interest for detecting vascular inflammatory processes, which serve as predecessors to atherosclerotic plaque development. Herein, we review various applications of nanotechnology in detecting atherosclerosis using MRI, with an emphasis on perfluorocarbon nanoparticles and fluorine imaging, along with theranostic prospects of nanotechnology in cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohun U Palekar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Whitaker Hall, Campus Box 1097, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Andrew P Jallouk
- Department of Medicine, Washington University, Campus Box 8215, 4320 Forest Park Avenue, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Gregory M Lanza
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Whitaker Hall, Campus Box 1097, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.,Department of Medicine, Washington University, Campus Box 8215, 4320 Forest Park Avenue, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Hua Pan
- Department of Medicine, Washington University, Campus Box 8215, 4320 Forest Park Avenue, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Samuel A Wickline
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Whitaker Hall, Campus Box 1097, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.,Department of Medicine, Washington University, Campus Box 8215, 4320 Forest Park Avenue, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
das Neves J, Nunes R, Machado A, Sarmento B. Polymer-based nanocarriers for vaginal drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 92:53-70. [PMID: 25550217 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The vaginal delivery of various drugs is well described and its relevance established in current medical practice. Alongside recent advances and achievements in the fields of pharmaceutical nanotechnology and nanomedicine, there is an increasing interest in the potential use of different nanocarriers for the delivery of old and new pharmacologically active molecules with either therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. Nanosystems of polymeric nature in particular have been investigated over the last years and their interactions with mucosal fluids and tissues, as well as genital tract biodistribution upon vaginal administration, are now better understood. While different applications have been envisioned, most of the current research is focusing in the development of nano-formulations with the potential to inhibit the vaginal transmission of HIV upon sexual intercourse. The present work focuses its discussion on the potential and perils of polymer-based nanocarriers for the vaginal administration of different pharmacologically active molecules.
Collapse
|
19
|
Protein/peptide-based entry/fusion inhibitors as anti-HIV therapies: challenges and future direction. Rev Med Virol 2015; 26:4-20. [DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
20
|
Jallouk AP, Palekar RU, Marsh JN, Pan H, Pham CTN, Schlesinger PH, Wickline SA. Delivery of a Protease-Activated Cytolytic Peptide Prodrug by Perfluorocarbon Nanoparticles. Bioconjug Chem 2015; 26:1640-50. [PMID: 26083278 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.5b00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Melittin is a cytolytic peptide derived from bee venom that inserts into lipid membranes and oligomerizes to form membrane pores. Although this peptide is an attractive candidate for treatment of cancers and infectious processes, its nonspecific cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity have limited its therapeutic applications. Several groups have reported the development of cytolytic peptide prodrugs that only exhibit cytotoxicity following activation by site-specific proteases. However, systemic administration of these constructs has proven difficult because of their poor pharmacokinetic properties. Here, we present a platform for the design of protease-activated melittin derivatives that may be used in conjunction with a perfluorocarbon nanoparticle delivery system. Although native melittin was substantially hemolytic (HD50: 1.9 μM) and cytotoxic (IC50: 2.4 μM), the prodrug exhibited 2 orders of magnitude less hemolytic activity (HD50: > 100 μM) and cytotoxicity (IC50: > 100 μM). Incubation with matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) led to cleavage of the prodrug at the expected site and restoration of hemolytic activity (HD50: 3.4 μM) and cytotoxicity (IC50: 8.1 μM). Incubation of the prodrug with perfluorocarbon nanoparticles led to stable loading of 10,250 peptides per nanoparticle. Nanoparticle-bound prodrug was also cleaved and activated by MMP-9, albeit at a fourfold slower rate. Intravenous administration of prodrug-loaded nanoparticles in a mouse model of melanoma significantly decreased tumor growth rate (p = 0.01). Because MMPs and other proteases play a key role in cancer invasion and metastasis, this platform holds promise for the development of personalized cancer therapies directed toward a patient's individual protease expression profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Jallouk
- †Consortium for Translational Research in Advanced Imaging and Nanomedicine, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, United States
| | - Rohun U Palekar
- †Consortium for Translational Research in Advanced Imaging and Nanomedicine, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, United States
| | - Jon N Marsh
- †Consortium for Translational Research in Advanced Imaging and Nanomedicine, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, United States
| | - Hua Pan
- †Consortium for Translational Research in Advanced Imaging and Nanomedicine, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, United States
| | | | | | - Samuel A Wickline
- †Consortium for Translational Research in Advanced Imaging and Nanomedicine, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Barkalina N, Jones C, Wood MJA, Coward K. Extracellular vesicle-mediated delivery of molecular compounds into gametes and embryos: learning from nature. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:627-39. [PMID: 26071427 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, even the most sophisticated methods of assisted reproductive technology (ART) allow us to achieve live births in only approximately 30% of patients, indicating that our understanding of the fine mechanisms underlying reproduction is far from ideal. One of the main challenges associated with studies of gamete structure and function is that these cells are remarkably resistant towards the uptake of exogenous substances, including 'molecular research tools' such as drugs, biomolecules and intracellular markers. This phenomenon can affect not only the performance of reproductive biology research techniques, but also the outcomes of the in vitro handling of gametes, which forms the cornerstone of ART. Improvement of intra-gamete delivery in a non-aggressive fashion is vital for the investigation of gamete physiology, and the advancement of infertility treatment. In this review, we outline the current state of nanomaterial-mediated delivery into gametes and embryos in vitro, and discuss the potential of a novel exciting drug delivery technology, based upon the use of targeted 'natural' nanoparticles known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), for reproductive science and ART, given the promising emerging data from other fields. METHODS A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed using the following keywords: 'nanoparticles', 'nanomaterials', 'cell-penetrating peptides', 'sperm', 'oocyte', 'egg', 'embryo', 'exosomes', 'microvesicles', 'extracellular vesicles', 'delivery', 'reproduction', to identify the relevant research and review articles, published in English up to January 2015. The reference lists of identified publication were then scanned to extract additional relevant publications. RESULTS Biocompatible engineered nanomaterials with high loading capacity, stability and selective affinity represent a potential versatile tool for the minimally invasive internalization of molecular cargo into gametes and embryos. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the translation of these experimental tools into clinical applications is likely to be limited by their non-biodegradable nature. To allow the subsequent use of these methodologies for clinical ART, studies should utilize biodegradable delivery platforms, which mimic natural mechanisms of molecular cargo trafficking as closely as possible. Currently, EVs represent the most physiological intracellular delivery tools for reproductive science and medicine. These natural mediators of cell communication combine the benefits of engineered nanomaterials, such as the potential for in vitro production, targeting and loading, with the essential feature of biodegradability. CONCLUSION We anticipate that future investigations into the possibility of applying EVs for the intentional intracellular delivery of molecular compounds into gametes and embryos will open new horizons for reproductive science and clinical ART, ultimately leading to improvements in patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Barkalina
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Adhikary RR, More P, Banerjee R. Smart nanoparticles as targeting platforms for HIV infections. NANOSCALE 2015; 7:7520-7534. [PMID: 25874901 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01285f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
While Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections are reducing in incidence with the advent of Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy (HAART), there remain a number of challenges including the existence of reservoirs, drug resistance and anatomical barriers to antiretroviral therapy. To overcome these, smart nanoparticles with stimuli responsive release are proposed for delivery of anti-retroviral agents. The paper highlights the strategic similarities between the design of smart antiretroviral nanocarriers and those optimized for cancer chemotherapy. This includes the development of nanoparticles capable of passive and active targeting as well as those that are responsive to various internal and external triggers. For antiretroviral therapy, the relevant triggers for stimuli responsive release of drugs include semen, enzymes, endosomal escape, temperature and magnetic field. Deriving from the experience of cancer chemotherapy, additional potential triggers are light and ultrasound which remain hitherto unexplored in HIV therapy. In addition, the roles of nanomicrobicides (nanogels) and virus mimetic nanoparticles are discussed from the point of view of prevention of HIV transmission. The challenges associated with translation of smart nanoparticles for HIV infections to realize the Millennium Development Goal of combating HIV infections are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Rajat Adhikary
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Jallouk AP, Palekar RU, Pan H, Schlesinger PH, Wickline SA. Modifications of natural peptides for nanoparticle and drug design. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2015; 98:57-91. [PMID: 25819276 PMCID: PMC4750874 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural products serve as an important source of novel compounds for drug development. Recently, peptides have emerged as a new class of therapeutic agents due to their versatility and specificity for biological targets. Yet, their effective application often requires use of a nanoparticle delivery system. In this chapter, we review the role of natural peptides in the design and creation of nanomedicines, with a particular focus on cell-penetrating peptides, antimicrobial peptides, and peptide toxins. The use of natural peptides in conjunction with nanoparticle delivery systems holds great promise for the development of new therapeutic formulations as well as novel platforms for the delivery of various cargoes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Jallouk
- Consortium for Translational Research in Advanced Imaging and Nanomedicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108
| | - Rohun U. Palekar
- Consortium for Translational Research in Advanced Imaging and Nanomedicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108
| | - Hua Pan
- Consortium for Translational Research in Advanced Imaging and Nanomedicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108
| | - Paul H. Schlesinger
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Samuel A. Wickline
- Consortium for Translational Research in Advanced Imaging and Nanomedicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| |
Collapse
|