scFv-Anti-LDL(-)-Metal-Complex Multi-Wall Functionalized-Nanocapsules as a Promising Tool for the Prevention of Atherosclerosis Progression.

Atherosclerosis can be originated from the accumulation of modified cholesterol-rich lipoproteins in the arterial wall. The electronegative LDL, LDL(-), plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis once this cholesterol-rich lipoprotein can be internalized by macrophages, contributing to the formation of foam cells, and provoking an immune-inflammatory response. Herein, we engineered a nanoformulation containing highly pure surface-functionalized nanocapsules using a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) reactive to LDL(-) as a ligand and assessed whether it can affect the LDL(-) uptake by primary macrophages and the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in Ldlr -/- mice. The engineered and optimized scFv-anti-LDL(-)-MCMN-Zn nanoformulation is internalized by human and murine macrophages in vitro by different endocytosis mechanisms. Moreover, macrophages exhibited lower LDL(-) uptake and reduced mRNA and protein levels of IL1B and MCP1 induced by LDL(-) when treated with this new nanoformulation. In a mouse model of atherosclerosis employing Ldlr -/- mice, intravenous administration of scFv-anti-LDL(-)-MCMN-Zn nanoformulation inhibited atherosclerosis progression without affecting vascular permeability or inducing leukocytes-endothelium interactions. Together, these findings suggest that a scFv-anti-LDL(-)-MCMN-Zn nanoformulation holds promise to be used in future preventive and therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.

A nanoformulation containing a scFv reactive to electronegative LDL inhibits atherosclerosis in LDL receptor knockout mice.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease responsible for the majority of cases of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. The electronegative low-density lipoprotein, a modified subfraction of native LDL, is pro-inflammatory and plays an important role in atherogenesis. To investigate the effects of a nanoformulation (scFv anti-LDL(-)-MCMN-Zn) containing a scFv reactive to LDL(-) on the inhibition of atherosclerosis, its toxicity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo and further it was also administered weekly to LDL receptor knockout mice. The scFv anti-LDL(-)-MCMN-Zn nanoformulation did not induce cell death in RAW 264.7 macrophages and HUVECs. The 5mg/kg dose of scFv anti-LDL(-)-MCMN-Zn did not cause any typical signs of toxicity and it was chosen for the evaluation of its atheroprotective effect in Ldlr(-/-) mice. This nanoformulation significantly decreased the atherosclerotic lesion area at the aortic sinus, compared with that in untreated mice. In addition, the Il1b mRNA expression and CD14 protein expression were downregulated in the atherosclerotic lesions at the aortic arch of Ldlr(-/-) mice treated with scFv anti-LDL(-)-MCMN-Zn. Thus, the scFv anti-LDL(-)-MCMN-Zn nanoformulation inhibited the progression of atherosclerotic lesions, indicating its potential use in a future therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.

Laronidase-functionalized multiple-wall lipid-core nanocapsules: promising formulation for a more effective treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis type I.

PURPOSE: Mucopolysaccharidosis I is a genetic disorder caused by alpha-L-iduronidase deficiency. Its primary treatment is enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), which has limitations such as a high cost and a need for repeated infusions over the patient's lifetime. Considering that nanotechnological approaches may enhance enzyme delivery to organs and can reduce the dosage thereby enhancing ERT efficiency and/or reducing its cost, we synthesized laronidase surface-functionalized lipid-core nanocapsules (L-MLNC). METHODS: L-MLNCs were synthesized by using a metal complex. Size distributions were evaluated by laser diffraction and dynamic light scattering. The kinetic properties, cytotoxicity, cell uptake mechanisms, clearance profile and biodistribution were evaluated. RESULTS: Size distributions showed a D[4,3] of 134 nm and a z-average diameter of 71 nm. L-MLNC enhanced the Vmax and Kcat in comparison with laronidase. L-MLNC is not cytotoxic, and nanocapsule uptake by active transport is not only mediated by mannose-6-phosphate receptors. The clearance profile is better for L-MLNC than for laronidase. A biodistribution analysis showed enhanced enzyme activity in different organs within 4 h and 24 h for L-MLNC. CONCLUSIONS: The use of lipid-core nanocapsules as building blocks to synthesize surface-functionalized nanocapsules represents a new platform for producing decorated soft nanoparticles that are able to modify drug biodistribution.