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1.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2834: 181-193, 2025.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39312166

ABSTRACT

The discovery of molecular toxicity in a clinical drug candidate can have a significant impact on both the cost and timeline of the drug discovery process. Early identification of potentially toxic compounds during screening library preparation or, alternatively, during the hit validation process is critical to ensure that valuable time and resources are not spent pursuing compounds that may possess a high propensity for human toxicity. This report focuses on the application of computational molecular filters, applied either pre- or post-screening, to identify and remove known reactive and/or potentially toxic compounds from consideration in drug discovery campaigns.


Subject(s)
Computational Biology , Drug Discovery , High-Throughput Screening Assays , Small Molecule Libraries , High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods , Small Molecule Libraries/toxicity , Humans , Drug Discovery/methods , Computational Biology/methods , Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods , Drug Design , Toxicology/methods
2.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2834: 275-291, 2025.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39312170

ABSTRACT

Machine learning (ML) has increasingly been applied to predict properties of drugs. Particularly, metabolism can be predicted with ML methods, which can be exploited during drug discovery and development. The prediction of metabolism is a crucial bottleneck in the early identification of toxic metabolites or biotransformation pathways that can affect elimination of the drug and potentially hinder the development of future new drugs. Metabolism prediction can be addressed with the application of ML models trained on large and validated dataset, from early stages of lead optimization to latest stage of drug development. ML methods rely on molecular descriptors that allow to identify and learn chemical and molecular features to predict sites of metabolism (SoMs) or activity associated with mechanism of inhibition (e.g., CYP inhibition). The application of ML methods in the prediction of drug metabolism represents a powerful resource to be exploited during drug discovery and development. ML allows to improve in silico screening and safety assessments of drugs in advance, steering their path to marketing authorization. Prediction of biotransformation reactions and metabolites allows to shorten the time, save the cost, and reduce animal testing. In this context, ML methods represent a technique to fill data gaps and an opportunity to reduce animal testing, calling for the 3R principles within the Big Data era.


Subject(s)
Drug Discovery , Machine Learning , Drug Discovery/methods , Humans , Pharmaceutical Preparations/metabolism , Biotransformation , Computer Simulation , Animals , Drug Development/methods
3.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2834: 333-349, 2025.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39312173

ABSTRACT

Rapid and detailed post-marketing surveillance of drugs and vaccine is required to enable assessment of their real-world safety and effectiveness. Spontaneous reporting from healthcare professionals and citizens is recognized as the basic method in the passive post-marketing surveillance of drugs and vaccines, allowing the identification of rare adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and adverse events following immunization (AEFIs). According to the current law, online platforms for ADRs and AEFI reporting and related databases are available in every country and at the global level. Recently, the use of electronic health records and the establishment of networks of databases as different sources of real-world data is emerging allowing high-quality, large-scale evaluations and providing real-world evidence on questions of clinical and regulatory interests. Here, we summarize the adverse event pharmacovigilance reporting systems in place at the global, European and in some European countries, and provide examples from recent literature of how the analysis of pharmacovigilance reports can provide evidence for unexpected and novel adverse drug reactions. Furthermore, we discuss the role of real-world data to generate real-world evidence in pharmacovigilance and regulatory activities.


Subject(s)
Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions , Pharmacovigilance , Humans , Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems/statistics & numerical data , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/epidemiology , Databases, Factual , Risk Assessment/methods , Electronic Health Records
4.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2834: 293-301, 2025.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39312171

ABSTRACT

The development of novel drug candidates is a current challenge in pharmacology where therapeutic benefits must exceed side effects. Toxicology testing is therefore a fundamental step in drug discovery research. Herein, we describe the first line of toxicology testing program, consisting in cell-based high-throughput screening assays, which have the advantage of being easy, rapid, cheap, and reproducible while providing quantitative information. We illustrate MTT and Crystal Violet assays, two common colorimetric tests able to assess both cytostatic and cytotoxic effects, respectively, of a drug candidate. MTT assay allows evaluation of cellular metabolic activity, by which cell viability can be inferred; Crystal Violet staining is directly correlated with attached viable cells, thus allowing direct assessment of cell survival and death. Therefore, combination of the two methodologies represents a useful tool for predicting drug sensitivity and efficacy, the first milestones in pre-clinical toxicology workflow.


Subject(s)
Cell Survival , Drug Evaluation, Preclinical , Gentian Violet , High-Throughput Screening Assays , Tetrazolium Salts , Toxicity Tests , Toxicity Tests/methods , Cell Survival/drug effects , Humans , Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods , Tetrazolium Salts/chemistry , High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods , Animals , Colorimetry/methods , Thiazoles/toxicity
5.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2834: 351-371, 2025.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39312174

ABSTRACT

MolPredictX is a free-access web tool in which it is possible to analyze the prediction of biological activity of chemical molecules. MolPredictX has been available online to the general public for just over a year and has now gone through its first update. We also developed its version for android, being the first free app capable of predicting biological activities. MolPredictX is available for free at https://www.molpredictX.ufpb.br/ , and its mobile application version can be obtained from Google Play.


Subject(s)
Machine Learning , Mobile Applications , Software , Internet , Computational Biology/methods , Humans
6.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2834: 393-441, 2025.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39312176

ABSTRACT

The Asclepios suite of KNIME nodes represents an innovative solution for conducting cheminformatics and computational chemistry tasks, specifically tailored for applications in drug discovery and computational toxicology. This suite has been developed using open-source and publicly accessible software. In this chapter, we introduce and explore the Asclepios suite through the lens of a case study. This case study revolves around investigating the interactions between per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and biomolecules, such as nuclear receptors. The objective is to characterize the potential toxicity of PFAS and gain insights into their chemical mode of action at the molecular level. The Asclepios KNIME nodes have been designed as versatile tools capable of addressing a wide range of computational toxicology challenges. Furthermore, they can be adapted and customized to accomodate the specific needs of individual users, spanning various domains such as nanoinformatics, biomedical research, and other related applications. This chapter provides an in-depth examination of the technical underpinnings and foundations of these tools. It is accompanied by a practical case study that demonstrates the utilization of Asclepios nodes in a computational toxicology investigation. This showcases the extendable functionalities that can be applied in diverse computational chemistry contexts. By the end of this chapter, we aim for readers to have a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of the Asclepios node functions. These functions hold significant potential for enhancing a wide spectrum of cheminformatics applications.


Subject(s)
Drug Discovery , Software , Workflow , Drug Discovery/methods , Humans , Toxicology/methods , Cheminformatics/methods , Computational Biology/methods , Fluorocarbons/chemistry , Fluorocarbons/toxicity
7.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2834: 303-332, 2025.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39312172

ABSTRACT

In the last three decades, the development of nanoparticles or nano-formulations as drug delivery systems has emerged as a promising tool to overcome the limitations of conventional delivery, potentially to improve the stability and solubility of active molecules, promote their transport across the biological membranes, and prolong circulation times to increase efficacy of a therapy. Despite several nano-formulations having applications in drug delivery, some issues concerning their safety and toxicity are still debated. This chapter describes the recent available information regarding safety, toxicity, and efficacy of nano-formulations for drug delivery. Several key factors can influence the behavior of nanoparticles in a biological environment, and their evaluation is crucial to design non-toxic and effective nano-formulations. Among them, we have focused our attention on materials and methods for their preparation (including the innovative microfluidic technique), mechanisms of interactions with biological systems, purification of nanoparticles, manufacture impurities, and nano-stability. This chapter places emphasis on the utilization of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models for the assessment and prediction of toxicity associated with these nano-formulations. Furthermore, the chapter includes specific examples of in vitro and in vivo studies conducted on nanoparticles, illustrating their application in this field.


Subject(s)
Drug Delivery Systems , Nanoparticles , Humans , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Animals , Drug Delivery Systems/methods , Drug Compounding/methods , Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System/chemistry
8.
Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc ; 324: 125027, 2025 Jan 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39197209

ABSTRACT

A green, simple and sensitive spectrofluorometric approach for determining vonoprazan fumarate in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form by turning off the fluorescence of sodium salicylate is developed. The addition of vonoprazan fumarate reduced linearly the fluorescence intensity of 0.4 mM sodium salicylate at λem 408 nm and at λex 330 nm. The approach was found to be linear in the 50.0-3000.0 ng/mL range. The limits of detection and quantification were 10.97 and 33.23 ng/mL, respectively. The presented method proved its suitability in determination of vonoprazan fumarate in its pure and pharmaceutical dosage form. This method employs water as the exclusive solvent and utilizes safe reagents, evaluated using the Analytical Eco Scale, Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), and carbon footprint. In contrast, previous methods relied on toxic reagents and required extended heating times, resulting in higher environmental impact. The novel method not only enhances analytical efficiency but also aligns with green chemistry principles, offering a sustainable solution for routine pharmaceutical analysis.


Subject(s)
Fluorescent Dyes , Green Chemistry Technology , Limit of Detection , Pyrroles , Sodium Salicylate , Spectrometry, Fluorescence , Sulfonamides , Sulfonamides/analysis , Sulfonamides/chemistry , Spectrometry, Fluorescence/methods , Pyrroles/chemistry , Green Chemistry Technology/methods , Fluorescent Dyes/chemistry , Sodium Salicylate/chemistry , Sodium Salicylate/analysis , Reproducibility of Results
9.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 336: 118740, 2025 Jan 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39197800

ABSTRACT

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In accordance with the tenets of traditional Chinese medicine, sepsis is categorized into three distinct syndromes: heat syndrome, blood stasis syndrome, and deficiency syndrome. Xiaochaihu decoction (XCHD) has many functions, including the capacity to protect the liver, cholagogue, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pathogenic microorganisms. XCHD exerts the effect of clearing heat and reconciling Shaoyang. The XCHD contains many efficacious active ingredients, yet the mechanism of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) remains elusive. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of XCHD against SIC using an integrated approach combining network pharmacology and molecular biology techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Network pharmacology methods identified the active ingredients, target proteins, and pathways affected by XCHD in the context of SIC. We conducted in vivo experiments using mice with lipopolysaccharide-induced SIC, evaluating cardiac function through echocardiography and histology. XCHD-containing serum was analyzed to determine its principal active components using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The effects of XCHD-containing serum on SIC were further tested in vitro in LPS-treated H9c2 cardiac cells. Protein expression levels were quantified via Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, molecular docking was performed between the active components and ZBP1, a potential target protein. Overexpression of ZBP1 in H9c2 cells allowed for a deeper exploration of its role in modulating SIC-associated gene expression. RESULTS: UPLC-MS/MS identified 31 shared XCHD and XCHD-containing serum components. These included organic acids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, which have been identified as the active components of XCHD. Our findings revealed that XCHD alleviated LPS-induced myocardial injury, improved cardiac function, and preserved cardiomyocyte morphology in mice. In vitro studies, we demonstrated that XCHD-containing serum significantly suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) in LPS-induced H9c2 cells. Mechanistic investigations showed that XCHD downregulated genes associated with PANoptosis, a novel cell death pathway, suggesting its protective role in sepsis-damaged hearts. Conversely, overexpression of ZBP1 abolished the protective effects of XCHD and amplified PANoptosis-related gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides the first evidence supporting the protective effects of XCHD against SIC, both in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism involves the inhibition of ZBP1-initiated PANoptosis, offering new insights into treating SIC using XCHD.


Subject(s)
Cardiomyopathies , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Sepsis , Animals , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology , Sepsis/drug therapy , Sepsis/complications , Cardiomyopathies/drug therapy , Cardiomyopathies/metabolism , Mice , Male , Cell Line , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Myocytes, Cardiac/drug effects , Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism , Lipopolysaccharides/toxicity , Network Pharmacology , Rats , Disease Models, Animal , Tandem Mass Spectrometry
10.
Biomaterials ; 313: 122778, 2025 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39213978

ABSTRACT

Thyroid cancer is increasing globally, with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) being the most aggressive type and having a poor prognosis. Current clinical treatments for thyroid cancer present numerous challenges, including invasiveness and the necessity of lifelong medication. Furthermore, a significant portion of patients with ATC experience cancer recurrence and metastasis. To overcome this dilemma, we developed a pH-responsive biomimetic nanocarrier (CLP@HP-A) through the incorporation of Chlorin e6 (Ce6) and Lenvatinib (Len) within hollow polydopamine nanoparticles (HP) that were further modified with platinum nanoparticles (Pt), enabling synergistic chemotherapy and sonodynamic therapy. The CLP@HP-A nanocarriers exhibited specific binding with galectin-3 receptors, facilitating their internalization through receptor-mediated endocytosis for targeted drug delivery. Upon exposure to ultrasound (US) irradiation, Ce6 rapidly generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce significant oxidative stress and trigger apoptosis in tumor cells. Additionally, Pt not only alleviated tumor hypoxia by catalyzing the conversion of H2O2 to oxygen (O2) but also augmented intracellular ROS levels through the production of hydroxyl radicals (•OH), thereby enhancing the efficacy of sonodynamic therapy. Moreover, Len demonstrated a potent cytotoxic effect on thyroid cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis. Transcriptomics analysis findings additionally corroborated that CLP@HP-A effectively triggered cancer cell apoptosis, thereby serving as a crucial mechanism for its cytotoxic effects. In conclusion, the integration of sonodynamic/chemo combination therapy with targeted drug delivery systems offers a novel approach to the management of malignant tumors.


Subject(s)
Chlorophyllides , Indoles , Platinum , Polymers , Porphyrins , Thyroid Neoplasms , Tumor Microenvironment , Ultrasonic Therapy , Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology , Thyroid Neoplasms/therapy , Thyroid Neoplasms/drug therapy , Thyroid Neoplasms/metabolism , Humans , Cell Line, Tumor , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects , Indoles/chemistry , Ultrasonic Therapy/methods , Porphyrins/chemistry , Porphyrins/pharmacology , Polymers/chemistry , Animals , Platinum/chemistry , Platinum/therapeutic use , Platinum/pharmacology , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Phenylurea Compounds/pharmacology , Phenylurea Compounds/therapeutic use , Apoptosis/drug effects , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Metal Nanoparticles/therapeutic use , Mice , Quinolines/pharmacology , Quinolines/chemistry , Mice, Nude , Drug Carriers/chemistry
11.
Biomaterials ; 313: 122798, 2025 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39244823

ABSTRACT

Despite the development of antibody-drug conjugates, the fragment Fab-based drug conjugates offer some unique capabilities in terms of safety, clearance, penetration and others. Current methods for preparing Fab drug conjugates are limited by the availability and stability of Fab proteins, leaving reports on this rare. Here, we found that a single-chain scaffold of Fab enables stabilization of the paired structure and supports high-yield expression in bacteria cytoplasm. Furthermore, we conjugated anti-neoplastic agent SN38 to the C-terminus by sortase A ligation and generated a homogenous Fab conjugate with the drug-to-Fab ratio of 1. The resulting anti-HER2 Fab-SN38 conjugate demonstrated potent and antigen-dependent cell-killing ability with the aid of its special cathepsin-triggered cyclization-promoted release mechanism. In vivo, Fab-SN38 can prevent growths of HER2-positive tumors in athymic mice and be well tolerated to the treatment at 7 mg/kg per dose. Anti-tumor activity, high dose tolerance and penetration advantage observed in this study would merit Fab conjugate investigation in target chemotherapy.


Subject(s)
Immunoconjugates , Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments , Mice, Nude , Receptor, ErbB-2 , Animals , Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism , Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments/chemistry , Humans , Immunoconjugates/chemistry , Immunoconjugates/pharmacology , Cell Line, Tumor , Female , Mice , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Drug Delivery Systems
12.
Biomaterials ; 313: 122767, 2025 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39216327

ABSTRACT

Peripheral artery disease is commonly treated with balloon angioplasty, a procedure involving minimally invasive, transluminal insertion of a catheter to the site of stenosis, where a balloon is inflated to open the blockage, restoring blood flow. However, peripheral angioplasty has a high rate of restenosis, limiting long-term patency. Therefore, angioplasty is sometimes paired with delivery of cytotoxic drugs like paclitaxel to reduce neointimal tissue formation. We pursue intravascular drug delivery strategies that target the underlying cause of restenosis - intimal hyperplasia resulting from stress-induced vascular smooth muscle cell switching from the healthy contractile into a pathological synthetic phenotype. We have established MAPKAP kinase 2 (MK2) as a driver of this phenotype switch and seek to establish convective and contact transfer (coated balloon) methods for MK2 inhibitory peptide delivery to sites of angioplasty. Using a flow loop bioreactor, we showed MK2 inhibition in ex vivo arteries suppresses smooth muscle cell phenotype switching while preserving vessel contractility. A rat carotid artery balloon injury model demonstrated inhibition of intimal hyperplasia following MK2i coated balloon treatment in vivo. These studies establish both convective and drug coated balloon strategies as promising approaches for intravascular delivery of MK2 inhibitory formulations to improve efficacy of balloon angioplasty.


Subject(s)
Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Animals , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Male , Peptides/chemistry , Peptides/pharmacology , Rats , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology , Angioplasty, Balloon/methods , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism , Drug Delivery Systems , Hyperplasia/prevention & control , Angioplasty , Neointima/prevention & control , Neointima/pathology
13.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2848: 259-267, 2025.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39240528

ABSTRACT

Controlled release or controlled drug delivery comprises the set of techniques and approaches to improve bioavailability through improved safety and/or efficacy using a carrier material for the molecule of interest. The predictability and tunability of these carriers make them ideal for protection, localization, and sustained presentation of a wide range of therapeutics, including growth factors implicated in cell survival and regeneration. Here we provide a method for encapsulating epidermal growth factor in a degradable polymer matrix for delivery to the cornea. Additional notes are included to demonstrate the wide-ranging capabilities of such methods for other materials, therapeutic agents, and sites of action within the eye.


Subject(s)
Cell Survival , Delayed-Action Preparations , Cell Survival/drug effects , Humans , Regeneration , Epidermal Growth Factor/metabolism , Animals , Cornea/metabolism , Cornea/cytology , Drug Delivery Systems/methods , Polymers/chemistry , Drug Carriers/chemistry
14.
Biomaterials ; 312: 122750, 2025 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39126779

ABSTRACT

Infiltration of immunosuppressive cells into the breast tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with suppressed effector T cell (Teff) responses, accelerated tumor growth, and poor clinical outcomes. Previous studies from our group and others identified infiltration of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) as critical contributors to immune dysfunction in the orthotopic claudin-low tumor model, limiting the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy. However, approaches to target these cells in the TME are currently lacking. To overcome this barrier, polymeric micellular nanoparticles (PMNPs) were used for the co-delivery of small molecule drugs activating Toll-like receptors 7 and 8 (TLR7/8) and inhibiting PI3K delta (PI3Kδ). The immunomodulation of the TME by TLR7/8 agonist and PI3K inhibitor led to type 1 macrophage polarization, decreased MDSC accumulation and selectively decreased tissue-resident Tregs in the TME, while enhancing the T and B cell adaptive immune responses. PMNPs significantly enhanced the anti-tumor activity of local radiation therapy (RT) in mice bearing orthotopic claudin-low tumors compared to RT alone. Taken together, these data demonstrate that RT combined with a nanoformulated immunostimulant diminished the immunosuppressive TME resulting in tumor regression. These findings set the stage for clinical studies of this approach.


Subject(s)
Nanoparticles , Toll-Like Receptor 7 , Toll-Like Receptor 8 , Tumor Microenvironment , Animals , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects , Toll-Like Receptor 7/agonists , Female , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Mice , Toll-Like Receptor 8/agonists , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases , Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells/drug effects , Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells/immunology , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Micelles , Humans
15.
Biomaterials ; 313: 122766, 2025 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39180916

ABSTRACT

The immune resistance of tumor microenvironment (TME) causes immune checkpoint blockade therapy inefficient to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Emerging strategies of using chemotherapy regimens to reverse the immune resistance provide the promise for promoting the efficiency of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The induction of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in tumor cells evokes the adaptive immunity and remodels the immunosuppressive TME. In this study, we report that mitoxantrone (MIT, a chemotherapeutic drug) activates the cGAS-STING signaling pathway of HCC cells. We provide an approach to augment the efficacy of MIT using a signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor called napabucasin (NAP). We prepare an aminoethyl anisamide (AEAA)-targeted polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanocarrier for co-delivery of MIT and NAP. The resultant co-nanoformulation can elicit the cGAS-STING-based immune responses to reshape the immunoresistant TME in the mice orthotopically grafted with HCC. Consequently, the resultant co-nanoformulation can promote anti-PD-1 antibody for suppressing HCC development, generating long-term survival, and inhibiting tumor recurrence. This study reveals the potential of MIT to activate the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, and confirms the feasibility of nano co-delivery for MIT and NAP on achieving HCC chemo-immunotherapy.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Immunotherapy , Liver Neoplasms , Membrane Proteins , Mitoxantrone , Nucleotidyltransferases , STAT3 Transcription Factor , Mitoxantrone/pharmacology , Mitoxantrone/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Animals , Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Humans , Nucleotidyltransferases/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism , Mice , Immunotherapy/methods , Cell Line, Tumor , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects , Benzofurans , Naphthoquinones
16.
Biomaterials ; 312: 122718, 2025 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39084097

ABSTRACT

Functional hydrogels are used for numerous biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, wound dressings, lubricants, contact lenses and advanced drug delivery systems. Most of them are based on synthetic or natural polymers forming a three-dimensional network that contains aqueous media. Among synthetic polymers, poly(meth)acrylates, polyethyleneglycols, poly(vinylalcohols), poly(vinylpyrrolidones), PLGA and poly(urethanes) are of high relevance, whereas natural polymers are mainly polysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid, alginate or chitosan and proteins such as albumin, collagen or elastin. In contrast to most synthetic polymers, natural polymers are biodegradable. Both synthetic and natural polymers are often chemically modified in order to improve or induce favorable properties and functions like high mechanical strength, stiffness, elasticity, high porosity, adhesive properties, in situ gelling properties, high water binding capacity or drug release controlling properties. Within this review we provide an overview about the broad spectrum of biomedical applications of functional hydrogels, summarize innovative approaches, discuss the concept of relevant functional hydrogels that are in clinical trials and highlight advanced products as examples for successful developments.


Subject(s)
Hydrogels , Tissue Engineering , Hydrogels/chemistry , Humans , Tissue Engineering/methods , Clinical Trials as Topic , Animals , Biocompatible Materials/chemistry , Drug Delivery Systems/methods , Polymers/chemistry
17.
Biomaterials ; 312: 122719, 2025 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39088912

ABSTRACT

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a deadly form of leukemia with ineffective traditional treatment and frequent chemoresistance-associated relapse. Personalized drug screening holds promise in identifying optimal regimen, nevertheless, primary AML cells undergo spontaneous apoptosis during cultures, invalidating the drug screening results. Here, we reconstitute a 3D osteogenic niche (3DON) mimicking that in bone marrow to support primary AML cell survival and phenotype maintenance in cultures. Specifically, 3DON derived from osteogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from healthy and AML donors are co-cultured with primary AML cells. The AML cells under the AML_3DON niche showed enhanced viability, reduced apoptosis and maintained CD33+ CD34-phenotype, associating with elevated secretion of anti-apoptotic cytokines in the AML_3DON niche. Moreover, AML cells under the AML_3DON niche exhibited low sensitivity to two FDA-approved chemotherapeutic drugs, further suggesting the physiological resemblance of the AML_3DON niche. Most interestingly, AML cells co-cultured with the healthy_3DON niche are highly sensitive to the same sample drugs. This study demonstrates the differential responses of AML cells towards leukemic and healthy bone marrow niches, suggesting the impact of native cancer cell niche in drug screening, and the potential of re-engineering healthy bone marrow niche in AML patients as chemotherapeutic adjuvants overcoming chemoresistance, respectively.


Subject(s)
Cell Survival , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Phenotype , Tumor Microenvironment , Humans , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Cell Survival/drug effects , Coculture Techniques/methods , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Apoptosis/drug effects , Bone Marrow/pathology , Bone Marrow/drug effects , Stem Cell Niche/drug effects , Bone Marrow Cells/cytology , Male , Cell Differentiation/drug effects , Female
18.
Biomaterials ; 312: 122712, 2025 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39098305

ABSTRACT

Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITM) severely limited the efficacy of immunotherapy against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Herein, Apt-LPR, a light-activatable photodynamic therapy (PDT)/RNAi immune synergy-enhancer was constructed by co-loading miR-34a and photosensitizers in cationic liposomes (in phase III clinical trial). Interestingly, the introduction of tumor-specific aptamers creates a special "Liposome-Aptamer-Target" interface, where the aptamers are initially in a "lying down" state but transform to "standing up" after target binding. The interfacing mechanism was elaborately revealed by computational and practical experiments. This unique interface endowed Apt-LPR with neutralized surface potential of cationic liposomes to reduce non-specific cytotoxicity, enhanced DNase resistance to protect aptamers, and preserved target-binding ability for selective drug delivery. Upon near-infrared irradiation, the generated reactive oxygen species would oxidize unsaturated phospholipids to destabilize both liposomes and lysosomes, realizing stepwise lysosomal escape of miR-34a for tumor cell apoptosis and downregulation of PD-L1 to suppress immune escape. Together, tumor-associated antigens released from PDT-damaged mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum could activate the suppressive immune cells to establish an "immune hot" milieu. The collaborative immune-enhancing strategy effectively aroused systemic antitumor immunity and inhibited primary and distal tumor progression as well as lung metastasis in 4T1 xenografted mouse models. The photo-controlled drug release and specific tumor-targeting capabilities of Apt-LPR were also visualized in MDA-MB-231 xenografted zebrafish models. Therefore, this photoswitchable PDT/RNAi immune stimulator offered a powerful approach to reprogramming ITM and reinforcing cancer immunotherapy efficacy.


Subject(s)
Liposomes , MicroRNAs , Photochemotherapy , Photosensitizing Agents , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms , Tumor Microenvironment , Animals , Humans , Liposomes/chemistry , MicroRNAs/genetics , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Photochemotherapy/methods , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Photosensitizing Agents/chemistry , Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology , Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use , Female , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/therapy , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Mice , Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry , Delayed-Action Preparations/chemistry , RNA Interference , Zebrafish
19.
Biomaterials ; 312: 122745, 2025 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39098306

ABSTRACT

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists have shown promise in cancer treatment by stimulating the innate immune response, yet their clinical potential has been limited by inefficient cytosolic entry and unsatisfactory pharmacological activities. Moreover, aggressive tumors with "cold" and immunosuppressive microenvironments may not be effectively suppressed solely through innate immunotherapy. Herein, we propose a multifaceted immunostimulating nanoparticle (Mn-MC NP), which integrates manganese II (Mn2+) coordinated photosensitizers (chlorin e6, Ce6) and STING agonists (MSA-2) within a PEGylated nanostructure. In Mn-MC NPs, Ce6 exerts potent phototherapeutic effects, facilitating tumor ablation and inducing immunogenic cell death to elicit robust adaptive antitumor immunity. MSA-2 activates the STING pathway powered by Mn2+, thereby promoting innate antitumor immunity. The Mn-MC NPs feature a high drug-loading capacity (63.42 %) and directly ablate tumor tissue while synergistically boosting both adaptive and innate immune responses. In subsutaneous tumor mouse models, the Mn-MC NPs exhibit remarkable efficacy in not only eradicating primary tumors but also impeding the progression of distal and metastatic tumors through synergistic immunotherapy. Additionally, they contribute to preventing tumor recurrence by fostering long-term immunological memory. Our multifaceted immunostimulating nanoparticle holds significant potential for overcoming limitations associated with insufficient antitumor immunity and ineffective cancer treatment.


Subject(s)
Immunotherapy , Manganese , Nanoparticles , Animals , Immunotherapy/methods , Manganese/chemistry , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Mice , Photosensitizing Agents/chemistry , Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology , Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use , Cell Line, Tumor , Humans , Porphyrins/chemistry , Porphyrins/pharmacology , Chlorophyllides , Neoplasms/therapy , Neoplasms/immunology , Photochemotherapy/methods , Immunity, Innate/drug effects , Female , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry
20.
Biomaterials ; 312: 122751, 2025 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39121726

ABSTRACT

Tumor immunotherapies have emerged as a promising frontier in the realm of cancer treatment. However, challenges persist in achieving localized, durable immunostimulation while counteracting the tumor's immunosuppressive environment. Here, we develop a natural mussel foot protein-based nanomedicine with spatiotemporal control for tumor immunotherapy. In this nanomedicine, an immunoadjuvant prodrug and a photosensitizer are integrated, which is driven by their dynamic bonding and non-covalent assembling with the protein carrier. Harnessing the protein carrier's bioadhesion, this nanomedicine achieves a drug co-delivery with spatiotemporal precision, by which it not only promotes tumor photothermal ablation but also broadens tumor antigen repertoire, facilitating in situ immunotherapy with durability and maintenance. This nanomedicine also modulates the tumor microenvironment to overcome immunosuppression, thereby amplifying antitumor responses against tumor progression. Our strategy underscores a mussel foot protein-derived design philosophy of drug delivery aimed at refining combinatorial immunotherapy, offering insights into leveraging natural proteins for cancer treatment.


Subject(s)
Immunotherapy , Nanomedicine , Animals , Immunotherapy/methods , Nanomedicine/methods , Photosensitizing Agents/chemistry , Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use , Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology , Photothermal Therapy/methods , Mice , Humans , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Proteins/chemistry , Female , Neoplasms/therapy , Neoplasms/immunology , Adhesives/chemistry , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology
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