1
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Hwang J, Dittmar JW, Kang J, Ocampo T, Evangelopoulos M, Han Z, Kudruk S, Lorch J, Mirkin CA. DNA Anchoring Strength Directly Correlates with Spherical Nucleic Acid-Based HPV E7 Cancer Vaccine Potency. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:7629-7636. [PMID: 38874796 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01392] [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: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Vaccination for cancers arising from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection holds immense potential, yet clinical success has been elusive. Herein, we describe vaccination studies involving spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) incorporating a CpG adjuvant and a peptide antigen (E711-19) from the HPV-E7 oncoprotein. Administering the vaccine to humanized mice induced immunity-dependent on the oligonucleotide anchor chemistry (cholesterol vs (C12)9). SNAs containing a (C12)9-anchor enhanced IFN-γ production >200-fold, doubled memory CD8+ T-cell formation, and delivered more than twice the amount of oligonucleotide to lymph nodes in vivo compared to a simple admixture. Importantly, the analogous construct with a weaker cholesterol anchor performed similar to admix. Moreover, (C12)9-SNAs activated 50% more dendritic cells and generated T-cells cytotoxic toward an HPV+ cancer cell line, UM-SCC-104, with near 2-fold greater efficiency. These observations highlight the pivotal role of structural design, and specifically oligonucleotide anchoring strength (which correlates with overall construct stability), in developing efficacious therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongmin Hwang
- Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Jasper Wilson Dittmar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Janice Kang
- Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Tonatiuh Ocampo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences, Northwestern University, 2 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Michael Evangelopoulos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Zhenyu Han
- Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Sergej Kudruk
- Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Jochen Lorch
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Chad A Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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2
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Wang G, Han S, Lu Y. From Structure to Application: The Evolutionary Trajectory of Spherical Nucleic Acids. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2310026. [PMID: 38860348 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Since the proposal of the concept of spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) in 1996, numerous studies have focused on this topic and have achieved great advances. As a new delivery system for nucleic acids, SNAs have advantages over conventional deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nanostructures, including independence from transfection reagents, tolerance to nucleases, and lower immune reactions. The flexible structure of SNAs proves that various inorganic or organic materials can be used as the core, and different types of nucleic acids can be conjugated to realize diverse functions and achieve surprising and exciting outcomes. The special DNA nanostructures have been employed for immunomodulation, gene regulation, drug delivery, biosensing, and bioimaging. Despite the lack of rational design strategies, potential cytotoxicity, and structural defects of this technology, various successful examples demonstrate the bright and convincing future of SNAs in fields such as new materials, clinical practice, and pharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guijia Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Sanyang Han
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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3
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Wang B, Zhang Y, Yin X. Advances in tumor immunomodulation based on nanodrug delivery systems. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1297493. [PMID: 38106403 PMCID: PMC10725201 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1297493] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a therapeutic approach that employs immunological principles and techniques to enhance and amplify the body's immune response, thereby eradicating tumor cells. Immunotherapy has demonstrated effective antitumor effects on a variety of malignant tumors. However, when applied to humans, many immunotherapy drugs fail to target lesions with precision, leading to an array of adverse immune-related reactions that profoundly limit the clinical application of immunotherapy. Nanodrug delivery systems enable the precise delivery of immunotherapeutic drugs to targeted tissues or specific immune cells, enhancing the immune antitumor effect while reducing the number of adverse reactions. A nanodrug delivery system provides a feasible strategy for activating the antitumor immune response by the following mechanisms: 1) increased targeting and uptake of vaccines by DCs, which enhances the efficacy of the immune response; 2) increased tumor cell immunogenicity; 3) regulation of TAMs and other cells by, for example, regulating the polarization of TAMs and interfering with TAN formation, and ECM remodeling by CAFs; and 4) interference with tumor immune escape signaling pathways, namely, the PD-1/PD-L1, FGL1/LAG-3 and IDO signaling pathways. This paper reviews the progress of nanodrug delivery system research with respect to tumor immunotherapy based on tumor immunomodulation over the last few years, discussing the promising future of these delivery systems under this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Xunzhe Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
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4
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Davis MA, Cho E, Teplensky MH. Harnessing biomaterial architecture to drive anticancer innate immunity. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:10982-11005. [PMID: 37955201 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01677c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Immunomodulation is a powerful therapeutic approach that harnesses the body's own immune system and reprograms it to treat diseases, such as cancer. Innate immunity is key in mobilizing the rest of the immune system to respond to disease and is thus an attractive target for immunomodulation. Biomaterials have widely been employed as vehicles to deliver immunomodulatory therapeutic cargo to immune cells and raise robust antitumor immunity. However, it is key to consider the design of biomaterial chemical and physical structure, as it has direct impacts on innate immune activation and antigen presentation to stimulate downstream adaptive immunity. Herein, we highlight the widespread importance of structure-driven biomaterial design for the delivery of immunomodulatory cargo to innate immune cells. The incorporation of precise structural elements can be harnessed to improve delivery kinetics, uptake, and the targeting of biomaterials into innate immune cells, and enhance immune activation against cancer through temporal and spatial processing of cargo to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Structural design of immunomodulatory biomaterials will profoundly improve the efficacy of current cancer immunotherapies by maximizing the impact of the innate immune system and thus has far-reaching translational potential against other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith A Davis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA.
| | - Ezra Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA.
| | - Michelle H Teplensky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA
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5
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Sridaran D, Bradshaw E, DeSelm C, Pachynski R, Mahajan K, Mahajan NP. Prostate cancer immunotherapy: Improving clinical outcomes with a multi-pronged approach. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101199. [PMID: 37738978 PMCID: PMC10591038 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has gained traction in recent years owing to remarkable tumor clearance in some patients. Despite the notable success of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in multiple malignancies, engagement of the immune system for targeted prostate cancer (PCa) therapy is still in its infancy. Multiple factors contribute to limited response, including the heterogeneity of PCa, the cold tumor microenvironment, and a low number of neoantigens. Significant effort is being invested in improving immune-based PCa therapies. This review is a summary of the status of immunotherapy in treating PCa, with a discussion of multiple immune modalities, including vaccines, adoptively transferred T cells, and bispecific T cell engagers, some of which are undergoing clinical trials. In addition, this review also focuses on emerging mechanism-based small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors with immune modulatory properties that, either as single agents or in combination with other immunotherapies, have the potential to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhivya Sridaran
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Elliot Bradshaw
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Carl DeSelm
- Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs (CHiiPs), Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Russell Pachynski
- Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs (CHiiPs), Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA; Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kiran Mahajan
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nupam P Mahajan
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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6
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Liu S, Yu CY, Wei H. Spherical nucleic acids-based nanoplatforms for tumor precision medicine and immunotherapy. Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100750. [PMID: 37545568 PMCID: PMC10400933 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise diagnosis and treatment of tumors currently still face considerable challenges due to the development of highly degreed heterogeneity in the dynamic evolution of tumors. With the rapid development of genomics, personalized diagnosis and treatment using specific genes may be a robust strategy to break through the bottleneck of traditional tumor treatment. Nevertheless, efficient in vivo gene delivery has been frequently hampered by the inherent defects of vectors and various biological barriers. Encouragingly, spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) with good modularity and programmability are excellent candidates capable of addressing traditional gene transfer-associated issues, which enables SNAs a precision nanoplatform with great potential for diverse biomedical applications. In this regard, there have been detailed reviews of SNA in drug delivery, gene regulation, and dermatology treatment. Still, to the best of our knowledge, there is no published systematic review summarizing the use of SNAs in oncology precision medicine and immunotherapy, which are considered new guidelines for oncology treatment. To this end, we summarized the notable advances in SNAs-based precision therapy and immunotherapy for tumors following a classification standard of different types of precise spatiotemporal control on active species by SNAs. Specifically, we focus on the structural diversity and programmability of SNAs. Finally, the challenges and possible solutions were discussed in the concluding remarks. This review will promote the rational design and development of SNAs for tumor-precise medicine and immunotherapy.
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7
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Teplensky MH, Evangelopoulos M, Dittmar JW, Forsyth CM, Sinegra AJ, Wang S, Mirkin CA. Multi-antigen spherical nucleic acid cancer vaccines. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:911-927. [PMID: 36717738 PMCID: PMC10424220 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-01000-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines must activate multiple immune cell types to be effective against aggressive tumours. Here we report the impact of the structural presentation of two antigenic peptides on immune responses at the transcriptomic, cellular and organismal levels. We used spherical nucleic acid (SNA) nanoparticles to investigate how the spatial distribution and placement of two antigen classes affect antigen processing, cytokine production and the induction of memory. Compared with single-antigen SNAs, a single dual-antigen SNA elicited a 30% increase in antigen-specific T cell activation and a two-fold increase in T cell proliferation. Antigen placement within dual-antigen SNAs altered the gene expression of T cells and tumour growth. Specifically, dual-antigen SNAs encapsulating antigens targeting helper T cells and with externally conjugated antigens targeting cytotoxic T cells elevated antitumour genetic pathways, stalling lymphoma tumours in mice. Additionally, when combined with the checkpoint inhibitor anti-programmed-cell-death protein-1 in a mouse model of melanoma, a specific antigen arrangement within dual-antigen SNAs suppressed tumour growth and increased the levels of circulating memory T cells. The structural design of multi-antigen vaccines substantially impacts their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle H Teplensky
- Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | - Jasper W Dittmar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Connor M Forsyth
- Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Andrew J Sinegra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Shuya Wang
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Chad A Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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8
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Baker A, Lorch J, VanderWeele D, Zhang B. Smart Nanocarriers for the Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Nucleic Acid for Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1743. [PMID: 37376190 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of therapeutic approaches and technologies for delivering therapeutic agents have been investigated for treating cancer. Recently, immunotherapy has achieved success in cancer treatment. Successful clinical results of immunotherapeutic approaches for cancer treatment were led by antibodies targeting immune checkpoints, and many have advanced through clinical trials and obtained FDA approval. A major opportunity remains for the development of nucleic acid technology for cancer immunotherapy in the form of cancer vaccines, adoptive T-cell therapies, and gene regulation. However, these therapeutic approaches face many challenges related to their delivery to target cells, including their in vivo decay, the limited uptake by target cells, the requirements for nuclear penetration (in some cases), and the damage caused to healthy cells. These barriers can be avoided and resolved by utilizing advanced smart nanocarriers (e.g., lipids, polymers, spherical nucleic acids, metallic nanoparticles) that enable the efficient and selective delivery of nucleic acids to the target cells and/or tissues. Here, we review studies that have developed nanoparticle-mediated cancer immunotherapy as a technology for cancer patients. Moreover, we also investigate the crosstalk between the function of nucleic acid therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy, and we discuss how nanoparticles can be functionalized and designed to target the delivery and thus improve the efficacy, toxicity, and stability of these therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Baker
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jochen Lorch
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - David VanderWeele
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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9
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Hincapie R, Bhattacharya S, Keshavarz-Joud P, Chapman AP, Crooke SN, Finn MG. Preparation and Biological Properties of Oligonucleotide-Functionalized Virus-like Particles. Biomacromolecules 2023. [PMID: 37257068 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotides are powerful molecules for programming function and assembly. When arrayed on nanoparticle scaffolds in high density, the resulting molecules, spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), become imbued with unique properties. We used the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition to graft oligonucleotides on Qβ virus-like particles to see if such structures also gain SNA-like behavior. Copper-binding ligands were shown to promote the click reaction without degrading oligonucleotide substrates. Reactions were first optimized with a small-molecule fluorogenic reporter and were then applied to the more challenging synthesis of polyvalent protein nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates. The resulting particles exhibited the enhanced cellular uptake and protection from nuclease-mediated oligonucleotide cleavage characteristic of SNAs, had similar residence time in the liver relative to unmodified particles, and were somewhat shielded from immune recognition, resulting in nearly 10-fold lower antibody titers relative to unmodified particles. Oligonucleotide-functionalized virus-like particles thus provide an interesting option for protein nanoparticle-mediated delivery of functional molecules.
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10
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Chen F, Huang Y, Huang Z, Jiang T, Yang Z, Zeng J, Jin A, Zuo H, Huang CZ, Mao C. DNA-scaffolded multivalent vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Acta Biomater 2023; 164:387-396. [PMID: 37088158 PMCID: PMC10122553 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Short peptides are poor immunogens. One way to increase their immune responses is by arraying immunogens in multivalency. Simple and efficient scaffolds for spatial controlling the inter-antigen distance and enhancing immune activation are required. Here, we report a molecular vaccine design principle that maximally drives potent SARS-CoV-2 RBD subunit vaccine on DNA duplex to induce robust and efficacious immune responses in vivo. We expect that the DNA-peptide epitope platform represents a facile and generalizable strategy to enhance the immune response. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: DNA scaffolds offer a biocompatible and convenient platform for arraying immunogens in multivalency antigenic peptides, and spatially control the inter-antigen distance. This can effectively enhance immune response. Peptide (instead of entire protein) vaccines are highly attractive. However, short peptides are poor immunogens. Our DNA scaffolded multivalent peptide immunogen system induced robust and efficacious immune response in vivo as demonstrated by the antigenic peptide against SAR-CoV-2. The present strategy could be readily generalized and adapted to prepare multivalent vaccines against other viruses or disease. Particularly, the different antigens could be integrated into one single vaccine and lead to super-vaccines that can protect the host from multiple different viruses or multiple variants of the same virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuhan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhengyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zailin Yang
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Aishun Jin
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Cheng Zhi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Chengde Mao
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette 47907, IN, USA.
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11
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Li Y, Jiang X, Luo T, Xia J, Lee MJ, Weichselbaum RR, Lin W. TLR3 agonist nanoscale coordination polymer synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade for immunotherapy of cancer. Biomaterials 2022; 290:121831. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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12
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Huang Z, Callmann CE, Wang S, Vasher MK, Evangelopoulos M, Petrosko SH, Mirkin CA. Rational Vaccinology: Harnessing Nanoscale Chemical Design for Cancer Immunotherapy. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:692-704. [PMID: 35756370 PMCID: PMC9228553 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a powerful treatment strategy that mobilizes the immune system to fight disease. Cancer vaccination is one form of cancer immunotherapy, where spatiotemporal control of the delivery of tumor-specific antigens, adjuvants, and/or cytokines has been key to successfully activating the immune system. Nanoscale materials that take advantage of chemistry to control the nanoscale structural arrangement, composition, and release of immunostimulatory components have shown significant promise in this regard. In this Outlook, we examine how the nanoscale structure, chemistry, and composition of immunostimulatory compounds can be modulated to maximize immune response and mitigate off-target effects, focusing on spherical nucleic acids as a model system. Furthermore, we emphasize how chemistry and materials science are driving the rational design and development of next-generation cancer vaccines. Finally, we identify gaps in the field that should be addressed moving forward and outline future directions to galvanize researchers from multiple disciplines to help realize the full potential of this form of cancer immunotherapy through chemistry and rational vaccinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyin Huang
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Interdisciplinary
Biological Sciences Graduate Program, andDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Cassandra E. Callmann
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Interdisciplinary
Biological Sciences Graduate Program, andDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Shuya Wang
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Interdisciplinary
Biological Sciences Graduate Program, andDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Matthew K. Vasher
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Interdisciplinary
Biological Sciences Graduate Program, andDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Michael Evangelopoulos
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Interdisciplinary
Biological Sciences Graduate Program, andDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Sarah Hurst Petrosko
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Interdisciplinary
Biological Sciences Graduate Program, andDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Chad A. Mirkin
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Interdisciplinary
Biological Sciences Graduate Program, andDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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13
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Teplensky MH, Distler ME, Kusmierz CD, Evangelopoulos M, Gula H, Elli D, Tomatsidou A, Nicolaescu V, Gelarden I, Yeldandi A, Batlle D, Missiakas D, Mirkin CA. Spherical nucleic acids as an infectious disease vaccine platform. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2119093119. [PMID: 35312341 PMCID: PMC9168922 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2119093119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceUsing SARS-CoV-2 as a relevant case study for infectious disease, we investigate the structure-function relationships that dictate antiviral spherical nucleic acid (SNA) vaccine efficacy. We show that the SNA architecture can be rapidly employed to target COVID-19 through incorporation of the receptor-binding domain, and that the resulting vaccine potently activates human cells in vitro and mice in vivo. Furthermore, when challenged with a lethal viral infection, only mice treated with the SNA vaccine survived. Taken together, this work underscores the importance of rational vaccine design for infectious disease to yield vaccines that elicit more potent immune responses to effectively fight disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle H. Teplensky
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
| | - Max E. Distler
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
| | - Caroline D. Kusmierz
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
| | | | - Haley Gula
- Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Derek Elli
- Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Anastasia Tomatsidou
- Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Vlad Nicolaescu
- Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Ian Gelarden
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Anjana Yeldandi
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Daniel Batlle
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Dominique Missiakas
- Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Chad A. Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
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14
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Mahajan AS, Stegh AH. Spherical Nucleic Acids as Precision Therapeutics for the Treatment of Cancer-From Bench to Bedside. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071615. [PMID: 35406387 PMCID: PMC8996871 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spherical Nucleic Acids (SNAs) emerged as a new class of nanotherapeutics consisting of a nanoparticle core densely functionalized with a shell of radially oriented synthetic oligonucleotides. The unique three-dimensional architecture of SNAs protects the oligonucleotides from nuclease-mediated degradation, increases oligonucleotide bioavailability, and in the absence of auxiliary transfection agents, enables robust uptake into tumor and immune cells through polyvalent association with cell surface pattern recognition receptors. When composed of gene-regulatory small interfering (si)RNA or immunostimulatory DNA or RNA oligonucleotides, SNAs silence gene expression and induce immune responses superior to those raised by the oligonucleotides in their "free" form. Early phase clinical trials of gene-regulatory siRNA-based SNAs in glioblastoma (NCT03020017) and immunostimulatory Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-agonistic SNAs carrying unmethylated CpG-rich oligonucleotides in solid tumors (NCT03086278) have shown that SNAs represent a safe, brain-penetrant therapy for inhibiting oncogene expression and stimulating immune responses against tumors. This review focuses on the application of SNAs as precision cancer therapeutics, summarizes the findings from first-in-human clinical trials of SNAs in solid tumors, describes the most recent preclinical efforts to rationally design next-generation multimodal SNA architectures, and provides an outlook on future efforts to maximize the anti-neoplastic activity of the SNA platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha S. Mahajan
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, The International Institute for Nanotechnology, The Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Alexander H. Stegh
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, The International Institute for Nanotechnology, The Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Correspondence:
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15
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Song Y, Song W, Lan X, Cai W, Jiang D. Spherical nucleic acids: Organized nucleotide aggregates as versatile nanomedicine. AGGREGATE (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2022; 3:e120. [PMID: 35386748 PMCID: PMC8982904 DOI: 10.1002/agt2.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are composed of a nanoparticle core and a layer of densely arranged oligonucleotide shells. After the first report of SNA by Mirkin and coworkers in 1996, it has created a significant interest by offering new possibilities in the field of gene and drug delivery. The controlled aggregation of oligonucleotides on the surface of organic/inorganic nanoparticles improves the delivery of genes and nucleic acid-based drugs and alters and regulates the biological profiles of the nanoparticle core within living organisms. Here in this review, we present an overview of the recent progress of SNAs that has speeded up their biomedical application and their potential transition to clinical use. We start with introducing the concept and characteristics of SNAs as drug/gene delivery systems and highlight recent efforts of bioengineering SNA by imaging and treatmenting various diseases. Finally, we discuss potential challenges and opportunities of SNAs, their ongoing clinical trials, and future translation, and how they may affect the current landscape of clinical practices. We hope that this review will update our current understanding of SNA, organized oligonucleotide aggregates, for disease diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangmeihui Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenyu Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoli Lan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dawei Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
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16
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Teplensky MH, Dittmar JW, Qin L, Wang S, Evangelopoulos M, Zhang B, Mirkin CA. Spherical Nucleic Acid Vaccine Structure Markedly Influences Adaptive Immune Responses of Clinically Utilized Prostate Cancer Targets. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2101262. [PMID: 34494382 PMCID: PMC8599645 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines, which activate the immune system against a target antigen, are attractive for prostate cancer, where multiple upregulated protein targets are identified. However, many clinical trials implementing peptides targeting these proteins have yielded suboptimal results. Using spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), we explore how precise architectural control of vaccine components can activate a robust antigen-specific immune response in comparison to clinical formulations of the same targets. The SNA vaccines incorporate peptides for human prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) or T-cell receptor γ alternate reading frame protein (TARP) into an optimized architecture, resulting in high rates of immune activation and cytolytic ability in humanized mice and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). Specifically, administered SNAs elevate the production and secretion of cytokines and increase polyfunctional cytotoxic T cells and effector memory. Importantly, T cells raised from immunized mice potently kill targets, including clinically relevant cells expressing the whole PSMA protein. Treatment of hPBMCs increases costimulatory markers and cytolytically active T cells. This work demonstrates the importance of vaccine structure and its ability to reformulate and elevate clinical targets. Moreover, it encourages the field to reinvestigate ineffective peptide targets and repackage them into optimally structured vaccines to harness antigen potency and enhance clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle H Teplensky
- Department of Chemistry and the International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Jasper W Dittmar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Lei Qin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Shuya Wang
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | | | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Chad A Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry and the International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
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17
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Li M, Yin F, Song L, Mao X, Li F, Fan C, Zuo X, Xia Q. Nucleic Acid Tests for Clinical Translation. Chem Rev 2021; 121:10469-10558. [PMID: 34254782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), are natural biopolymers composed of nucleotides that store, transmit, and express genetic information. Overexpressed or underexpressed as well as mutated nucleic acids have been implicated in many diseases. Therefore, nucleic acid tests (NATs) are extremely important. Inspired by intracellular DNA replication and RNA transcription, in vitro NATs have been extensively developed to improve the detection specificity, sensitivity, and simplicity. The principles of NATs can be in general classified into three categories: nucleic acid hybridization, thermal-cycle or isothermal amplification, and signal amplification. Driven by pressing needs in clinical diagnosis and prevention of infectious diseases, NATs have evolved to be a rapidly advancing field. During the past ten years, an explosive increase of research interest in both basic research and clinical translation has been witnessed. In this review, we aim to provide comprehensive coverage of the progress to analyze nucleic acids, use nucleic acids as recognition probes, construct detection devices based on nucleic acids, and utilize nucleic acids in clinical diagnosis and other important fields. We also discuss the new frontiers in the field and the challenges to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Fangfei Yin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lu Song
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Xiuhai Mao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaolei Zuo
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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18
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Zhu M, Wang S. Functional Nucleic‐Acid‐Decorated Spherical Nanoparticles: Preparation Strategies and Current Applications in Cancer Therapy. SMALL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Central South University No. 932 South Lushan Rd Changsha Hunan 410083 P. R. China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Central South University No. 932 South Lushan Rd Changsha Hunan 410083 P. R. China
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19
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Holmes TR, Paller AS. Gene Regulation Using Spherical Nucleic Acids to Treat Skin Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E360. [PMID: 33147737 PMCID: PMC7693734 DOI: 10.3390/ph13110360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are nanostructures consisting of nucleic acids in a spherical configuration, often around a nanoparticle core. SNAs are advantageous as gene-regulating agents compared to conventional gene therapy owing to their low toxicity, enhanced stability, uptake by virtually any cell, and ability to penetrate the epidermal barrier. In this review we: (i) describe the production, structure and properties of SNAs; (ii) detail the mechanism of SNA uptake in keratinocytes, regulated by scavenger receptors; and (iii) report how SNAs have been topically applied and intralesionally injected for skin disorders. Specialized SNAs called nanoflares can be topically applied for gene-based diagnosis (scar vs. normal tissue). Topical SNAs directed against TNFα and interleukin-17A receptor reversed psoriasis-like disease in mouse models and have been tested in Phase 1 human trials. Furthermore, SNAs targeting ganglioside GM3 synthase accelerate wound healing in diabetic mouse models. Most recently, SNAs targeting toll-like receptor 9 are being used in Phase 2 human trials via intratumoral injection to induce immune responses in Merkel cell and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Overall, SNAs are a valuable tool in bench-top and clinical research, and their advantageous properties, including penetration into the epidermis after topical delivery, provide new opportunities for targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy S. Paller
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
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