CHRFAM7A diversifies human immune adaption through Ca2+ signalling and actin cytoskeleton reorganization.

BACKGROUND: Human restricted genes contribute to human specific traits in the immune system. CHRFAM7A, a uniquely human fusion gene, is a negative regulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), the highest Ca2+ conductor of the ACh receptors implicated in innate immunity. Understanding the mechanism of how CHRFAM7A affects the immune system remains unexplored. METHODS: Two model systems are used, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and human primary monocytes, to characterize α7 nAChR function, Ca2+ dynamics and decoders to elucidate the pathway from receptor to phenotype. FINDINGS: CHRFAM7A/α7 nAChR is identified as a hypomorphic receptor with mitigated Ca2+ influx and prolonged channel closed state. This shifts the Ca2+ reservoir from the extracellular space to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leading to Ca2+ dynamic changes. Ca2+ decoder small GTPase Rac1 is then activated, reorganizing the actin cytoskeleton. Observed actin mediated phenotypes include cellular adhesion, motility, phagocytosis and tissue mechanosensation. INTERPRETATION: CHRFAM7A introduces an additional, human specific, layer to Ca2+ regulation leading to an innate immune gain of function. Through the actin cytoskeleton it drives adaptation to the mechanical properties of the tissue environment leading to an ability to invade previously immune restricted niches. Human genetic diversity predicts profound translational significance as its understanding builds the foundation for successful treatments for infectious diseases, sepsis, and cancer metastasis. FUNDING: This work is supported in part by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo (Kinga Szigeti) and in part by NIH grant R01HL163168 (Yongho Bae).

An inoculation site-retained mRNA vaccine induces robust immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants.

mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutic agents hold great promise in prevention and treatment of human diseases, yet high percentage of systemic adverse effect in clinic remains a big safety concern. One major potential cause is a high level of leakage of the locally inoculated mRNA vaccine nanoparticles into circulation. We have screened and optimized a core-shell structured lipopolyplex (LPP) formulation for mRNA with a tissue-retention property. Upon intramuscular inoculation, the mRNA-encapsulated LPP nanoparticles were preferentially taken up by the phagocytic antigen-presentation cells, and potently promoted dendritic cell maturation. We applied the new formulation to prepare a prophylactic vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, and observed potent humoral and cellular immune responses from the vaccine in both murine models and non-human primates. More importantly, the vaccine demonstrated a benign safety profile in non-human primates, with limited side effects after repeated treatment with high dosages of LPP/mRNA. Taken together, the inoculation site-retained vaccine formulation serves as a promising vehicle for mRNA vaccines and therapeutic agents.

Spatiotemporally controlled Pseudomonas exotoxin transgene system combined with multifunctional nanoparticles for breast cancer antimetastatic therapy.

The tumor microenvironment is a barrier to breast cancer therapy. Cancer-associated fibroblast cells (CAFs) can support tumor proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance by secreting various cytokines and growth factors. Abnormal angiogenesis provides sufficient nutrients for tumor proliferation. Considering that CAFs express the sigma receptor (which recognizes anisamide, AA), we developed a CAFs and breast cancer cells dual-targeting nano drug delivery system to transport the LightOn gene express system, a spatiotemporal controlled gene expression consisting of a light-sensitive transcription factor and a specific minimal promoter. We adopted RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) to selectively bind to the αvß3 integrin on activated vascular endothelial cells and tumor cells. After the LightOn system has reached the tumor site, LightOn gene express system can spatiotemporal controllably express toxic Pseudomonas exotoxin An under blue light irradiation. The LightOn gene express system, combined with multifunctional nanoparticles, achieved high targeting delivery efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. It also displayed strong tumor and CAFs inhibition, anti-angiogenesis ability and anti-metastasis ability, with good safety. Moreover, it improved survival rate, survival time, and lung metastasis rate in a mouse breast cancer model. This study proves the efficacy of combining the LightOn system with targeted multifunctional nanoparticles in tumor and anti-metastatic therapy and provides new insights into tumor microenvironment regulation.

Sequential Rocket-Mode Bioactivating Ticagrelor Prodrug Nanoplatform Combining Light-Switchable Diphtherin Transgene System for Breast Cancer Metastasis Inhibition.

The increased risk of breast cancer metastasis is closely linked to the effects of platelets. Our previously light-switchable diphtheria toxin A fragment (DTA) gene system, known as the LightOn system, has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential; it lacks antimetastatic capabilities. In this study, we devised an innovative system by combining cell membrane fusion liposomes (CML) loaded with the light-switchable transgene DTA (pDTA) and a ticagrelor (Tig) prodrug. This innovative system, named the sequential rocket-mode bioactivating drug delivery system (pDTA-Tig@CML), aims to achieve targeted pDTA delivery while concurrently inhibiting platelet activity through the sequential release of Tig triggered by reactive oxygen species with the tumor microenvironment. In vitro investigations have indicated that pDTA-Tig@CML, with its ability to sequentially release Tig and pDTA, effectively suppresses platelet activity, resulting in improved therapeutic outcomes and the mitigation of platelet driven metastasis in breast cancer. Furthermore, pDTA-Tig@CML exhibits enhanced tumor aggregation and successfully restrains tumor growth and metastasis. It also reduces the levels of ADP, ATP, TGF-ß, and P-selectin both in vitro and in vivo, underscoring the advantages of combining the bioactivating Tig prodrug nanoplatform with the LightOn system. Consequently, pDTA-Tig@CML emerges as a promising light-switchable DTA transgene system, offering a novel bioactivating prodrug platform for breast cancer treatment.

Neuronal actin cytoskeleton gain of function in the human brain.

BACKGROUND: While advancements in imaging techniques have led to major strides in deciphering the human brain, successful interventions are elusive and represent some of the most persistent translational gaps in medicine. Human restricted CHRFAM7A has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS: The physiological role of CHRFAM7A in human brain is explored using multiomics approach on 600 post mortem human brain tissue samples. The emerging pathways and mechanistic hypotheses are tested and validated in an isogenic hiPSC model of CHRFAM7A knock-in medial ganglionic eminence progenitors and neurons. FINDINGS: CHRFAM7A is identified as a modulator of intracellular calcium dynamics and an upstream regulator of Rac1. Rac1 activation re-designs the actin cytoskeleton leading to dynamic actin driven remodeling of membrane protrusion and a switch from filopodia to lamellipodia. The reinforced cytoskeleton leads to an advantage to tolerate stiffer mechanical properties of the extracellular environment. INTERPRETATION: CHRFAM7A modifies the actin cytoskeleton to a more dynamic and stiffness resistant state in an α7nAChR dependent manner. CHRFAM7A may facilitate neuronal adaptation to changes in the brain environment in physiological and pathological conditions contributing to risk or recovery. Understanding how CHRFAM7A affects human brain requires human studies in the areas of memory formation and erasure, cognitive reserve, and neuronal plasticity. FUNDING: This work is supported in part by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo (Kinga Szigeti). Also, in part by the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) and The Company of Biologists (Nicolas Rosas). ROSMAP is supported by NIA grants P30AG10161, P30AG72975, R01AG15819, R01AG17917. U01AG46152, and U01AG61356.

Spatiotemporally controllable diphtherin transgene system and neoantigen immunotherapy.

Individualized immunotherapy has attracted great attention due to its high specificity, effectiveness, and safety. We used an exogenous antigen to label tumor cells with MHC I molecules, which allowed neoantigen-specific T cells to recognize and kill tumor cells. A neoantigen vaccine alone cannot achieve complete tumor clearance due to a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. The LightOn system was developed to effectively eliminate tumor cells through the spatiotemporally controllable expression of diphtheria toxin A fragment, leading to antigen release in the tumor region. These antigens stimulated and enhanced immunological function and thus, recruited neoantigen-specific T cells to infiltrate tumor tissue. Using the nanoparticle delivery system, neoantigens produced higher delivery efficiency to lymph nodes and improved tumor targeting ability for tumor cell labelling. Good tumor inhibition and prolonged survival were achieved, while eliciting a strong immune response. The combination of a spatiotemporally controllable transgene system with tumor neoantigen labeling has great potential for tumor immunotherapy.

Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Seeded on Small Intestinal Submucosa to Repair the Uterine Wall Injuries.

Objective: The effectiveness of tissue engineering materials combining porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) on uterine injury in female rat after full-thickness uterine resection was evaluated as a basis for clinical treatment of postoperative uterine injury. Methods: After complex culture with SIS and UC-MSCs, cell adhesion, growth, and proliferation were assessed. Before the implantation, a surgical procedure of bilateral full-thickness uterine resection (0.5-2.0 cm long and 0.3 cm wide) was performed to obtain the rat uterine injury model, while the sham-operated rats were used as controls. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining results and fertility of female rats in each group were assessed to determine the critical resection length of the full-thickness uterine resection. Then SIS or UC-MSCs-SIS were implanted into the female rats from the uterine injury group, followed by assessments of H&E staining, the expression of ki67, α-SMA, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and fertility to determine the effectiveness of SIS and UC-MSCs-SIS on uterine injury in female rat. Results: At 24, 48, and 72 h, the cells grew progressively on the SIS material. In the 1.5 cm and 2.0 cm groups, the pregnancy rate, proportion of the uterus supporting live embryo growth, number of live embryos, and proportion of live embryos were all significantly less than those in the 0.5 cm and sham-operated groups. In the 2.0 cm group, there was little tissue regeneration at the center of the injury and not conducive to subsequent assessment. The UC-MSCs-SIS and SIS groups were better on morphological development, cell proliferation, LIF expression, and fertility than the control group. Conclusions: UC-MSCs show good adhesion, growth, and proliferation on the SIS scaffold material. The optimal resection length in full-thickness uterine resection on female rat is 1.5 cm. UC-MSCs-SIS is the effective treatment for repairing a injury after the full-thickness resection of the uterus in this research. Impact Statement The acquired severe uterus injury is a serious condition, which prone to uterine adhesions. Postoperative endometrial repairment and prevention of intrauterine adhesion recurrence are two major clinical challenges. Fortunately, the development of tissue engineering technology makes repairing a uterine injury possible. There are two main contributions from this study. First, due to ethical requirements, it is difficult to assess the repairing effect on uterus by invasive experiments in a clinical practice. Therefore, we constructed a full-thickness uterine injury rat model, which allows us to assess the repairing effect of treatments after severe uterine injuries in vivo. Second, it explored the effect of using a combination of and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and small intestine submucosa materials on improving uterine repairments, providing a potential possibility for a future clinical practice.

In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation on the Effectiveness of Alginate-Based Gastric Mucosal Protective Gel.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of an alginate-based gastric mucosal protective gel on the gastric ulcer. Methods: (1) In the physical protection model, after GES-1 cell attachment add the gel to transwell chamber, add different concentrations of HCl to the gel. Absorbance was measured to assess proliferation and images of the cells migrating into the wound were taken; then the migration rate of the cells was quantified by comparing images. (2) In the gastric ulcer model, excise the gastric mucosal of SD rats; the gel and fixative were applied on the artificial ulcer immediately. Dissect rats after 10 days, and calculate the wound healing rate and analyzed histology changes. Results: The effect of hydrochloric acid on cells in the lower layer was significantly reduced after the use of gastric mucosal protection gel. The protective gel had an isolation effect on different concentrations of acid. A number of GES-1 were significantly higher than those in the control group at 24 h to 72 h (P < 0.01). The migration was observed compared with the control group. The average healing rate of ulcer in the gel group was about 50%, and the control group was about 30%. Inflammation occurred in all wound regions after ten days. In the gel group, inflammatory infiltration depth was lower than that of the control, and part of SD rats' new muscle layer appeared without inflammatory infiltration. The connective tissue proliferation promoted tissue repair. In the control group, necrosis marginal, mucosal hyperplasia, marginal lymphocyte aggregation, and bleeding were observed. Conclusion: This novel gel mainly has an isolating and shielding effect to prevent the wound from being exposed to gastric acid for a long time, and it can reduce the inflammatory reaction on the wounds to promote the healing of the ulcer. The gastric mucosal protective gel cannot only promote the speed of wound healing but also improve the quality of wound healing.

Light-switchable diphtherin transgene system combined with losartan for triple negtative breast cancer therapy based on nano drug delivery system.

Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women. The abnormally dense collagen network in breast cancer forms a therapeutic barrier that hinders the penetration and anti-tumor effect of drugs. To overcome this hurdle, we adopted a therapeutic strategy to treat breast cancer which combined a light-switchable transgene system and losartan. The light-switchable transgene system could regulate expression of the diphtheria toxin A fragment (DTA) gene with a high on/off ratio under blue light and had great potential for spatiotemporally controllable gene expression. We developed a nanoparticle drug delivery system to achieve tumor microenvironment-responsive and targeted delivery of DTA-encoded plasmids (pDTA) to tumor sites via dual targeting to cluster of differentiation-44 and αvß3 receptors. In vivo studies indicated that the combination of pDTA and losartan reduce the concentration of collagen type I from 5.9 to 1.9 µg/g and decreased the level of active transforming growth factor-ß by 75.0% in tumor tissues. Moreover, deeper tumor penetration was achieved, tumor growth was inhibited, and the survival rate was increased. Our combination strategy provides a novel and practical method for clinical treatment of breast cancer.

[Safety of Alginate-based Gastric Mucosal Protective Adhesive and Feasibility Study of Its Use as Submucosal Injection].

OBJECTIVE: To study the safety of alginate based gastric mucosal protective adhesive and its feasibility as a submucosal injection. METHODS: The feasibility of using alginate-based gastric mucosal protective gel as submucosal injection was evaluated by in vitro gastric mucosal uplift test in pigs and in vivo gastric mucosal uplift test in rats. The safety of alginate based gastric mucosa protective adhesive was evaluated by cytotoxicity test, acute toxicity test and oral mucosa stimulation test according to GB/T 16886 series standard of biological evaluation of medical devices. RESULTS: After injection of different concentrations of alginate base mucosal protective adhesive solution, the uplift height was significantly higher than that of normal saline (P<0.05). Gastric mucosal protection glue has no cytotoxic oral mucosal irritation or acute toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric mucosa protector is a promising new medical device product with feasibility and good biocompatibility as submucosal uplift injection agent.

A ROS-responsive fluorescent probe detecting experimental colitis by functional polymeric nanoparticles.

Current evidence shows that oxidative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). TotalROX (λabs/λem = 425/525 nm) is a ratiometric probe with high detection sensitivity and a superior capacity to monitor total cellular oxidative capacity. Herein, we investigated the potential of combining totalROX with an oral nanoparticle delivery system to detect the degree of colitis. This detection system also featured pH-responsive Eudragit S100, hyaluronic acid with high affinity to the CD44 receptor, and chitosan, and demonstrated improved loading efficiency and stability. An experimental mouse model of experimental colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulfate do that we could investigate the ability of our nanoparticles to target the colon and determine the degree of inflammation. We also determined and validated the positive correlation between the fluorescence intensity of the detection product (Ox670, λabs/λem = 650/675 nm) and myeloperoxidase activity (R2 = 0.97) and the histopathological score (R2 = 0.98). TotalROX had significant ability to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by cells under inflammatory conditions, as confirmed by in vitro experiments with Caco-2 cells. Collectively, the data generated demonstrate that when loaded with totalROX, these functional nanoparticles are promising tools for cellular imaging after oral administration. This is the first description of a ROS-responsive fluorescent probe to evaluate the degree of colitis in experimental animal models and provides a promising approach for the diagnosis of inflammation in IBD with fluorescence-guided colonoscopy.

[Lung Examination in Systemic Toxicitytest of Medical Devices].

The lung is an important organ in systemic toxicity test of medical devices and is significant in safety evaluation. Based on the authors' understanding of medical devices, this study provides a brief analysis of the lung examination and common problems in systemic toxicity, so as to provide references for the pre-clinical safety evaluation of medical devices. It should be noted that a reasonable risk assessment should be made after comprehensive assessment for specific medical device products.

Colon-targeted delivery of tacrolimus using pH-responsive polymeric nanoparticles for murine colitis therapy.

The present study aimed at constructing an oral nanoparticle delivery system loaded with tacrolimus (FK506) for effective treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. A FK506/HP-ß-CD inclusion compound was prepared by grinding to increase drug solubility. To address the side- effects in non-target organs and systemic toxicity of FK506, pH-responsive Eudragit S100 (ES100) and hyaluronic acid (HA) with high affinity to CD44 receptor were adsorbed onto the surface of chitosan (CS) nanoparticles loaded with FK506/HP-ß-CD through electrostatic interactions to obtain FK506@ES100/HA/CS/HP-ß-CD nanoparticles (FK506@EHCh NPs). Caco-2 cells and Raw 264.7 macrophages were used to confirm the lack of cytotoxicity and good uptake ability of the newly generated nanoparticles. FK506@EHCh NPs significantly suppressed secretion of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 by LPS-activated Raw 264.7 macrophages. A dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) murine model was established to further confirm the colon targeting and in vivo efficacy of oral IR-775@EHCh NPs. Based on the collective results, we conclude that packaging FK506 into active targeting nanocarriers sensitive to pH facilitates concentration of the drug within the sites of intestinal inflammation and improves the drug levels in target tissues, thus avoiding systemic side-effects and improving efficacy. In view of the promising results obtained in this study, the potential of EHCh nanoparticles for drug delivery and targeted treatment of inflammatory bowel disease warrants further investigation.

A combination of LightOn gene expression system and tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticle delivery system for targeted breast cancer therapy.

A light-switchable transgene system called LightOn gene expression system could regulate gene expression with a high on/off ratio under blue light, and have great potential for spatiotemporally controllable gene expression. We developed a nanoparticle drug delivery system (NDDS) to achieve tumor microenvironment-responsive and targeted delivery of diphtheria toxin A (DTA) fragment-encoded plasmids to tumor sites. The expression of DTA was induced by exposure to blue light. Nanoparticles composed of polyethylenimine and vitamin E succinate linked by a disulfide bond, and PEGylated hyaluronic acid modified with RGD peptide, accumulated in tumor tissues and were actively internalized into 4T1 cells via dual targeting to CD44 and α v ß 3 receptors. The LightOn gene expression system was able to control target protein expression through regulation of the intensity or duration of blue light exposure. In vitro studies showed that light-induced DTA expression reduced 4T1 cell viability and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the LightOn gene expression system enabled spatiotemporal control of the expression of DTA in a mouse 4T1 tumor xenograft model, which resulted in excellent antitumor effects, reduced tumor angiogenesis, and no systemic toxicity. The combination of the LightOn gene expression system and NDDS may be an effective strategy for treatment of breast cancer.

Spatiotemporally controllable diphtheria toxin expression using a light-switchable transgene system combining multifunctional nanoparticle delivery system for targeted melanoma therapy.

Gene therapy with external gene insertion (e. g. a suicide gene) and expression specifically in mutated tumor cells has shown to be a promising strategy in treatment of tumors. However, current tumor gene therapy often suffered from low efficiency in gene expression and off-target effects which may cause damage to normal tissues. To address these issues, in this study, a light-switchable transgene nanoparticle delivery system loaded with a diphtheria toxin A (DTA) segment encoded gene, a suicide gene for tumor cells, was developed. The nanoparticles contained vitamin E succinate-grafted polyethyleneimine core and arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD)-modified pegylated hyaluronic acid shell for targeted delivery of the loaded gene to tumor cells via receptor-mediated (CD44 and αvß3) endocytosis. Notably, the expression of target proteins in tumor cells could be conveniently regulated by adjusting the blue light intensity in the Light-On system. In in-vitro studies in cultured B16-F10 cells, the pG-DTA-loaded nano-micelles showed greatly improved inhibitory rate compared with the pG-DTA group. Moreover, in the tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice model, the pG-DTA-loaded nanoparticle exhibited greatly improved efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity with significantly increased survival rate after 21 days. Significantly suppressed tumor angiogenesis was also identified in the nanoparticle-treated group likely due to the targeting ability of the RGD-modified nanoparticle. All the above results indicated that the combination of a light-switchable transgene system with a nanoparticle-based targeted delivery system have great potentials in gene therapy of malignant tumors with improved precision and efficacy.

Safe and Efficacious Diphtheria Toxin-Based Treatment for Melanoma: Combination of a Light-On Gene-Expression System and Nanotechnology.

The controversy surrounding the use of diphtheria toxin (DT) as a therapeutic agent against tumor cells arises mainly from its unexpected harmfulness to healthy tissues. We encoded the cytotoxic fragment A of DT (DTA) as an objective gene in the Light-On gene-expression system to construct plasmids pGAVPO (pG) and pU5-DTA (pDTA). Meanwhile, a cRGD-modified ternary complex comprising plasmids, chitosan, and liposome (pG&pDTA@cRGD-CL) was prepared as a nanocarrier to ensure transfection efficiency. Benefiting from spatiotemporal control of this light-switchable transgene system and the superior tumor targeting of the carrier, toxins were designed to be expressed selectively in illuminated lesions. In vitro studies suggested that pG&pDTA@cRGD-CL exerted arrest of the S phase in B16F10 cells upon blue light irradiation and, ultimately, induced the apoptosis and necrosis of tumor cells. Such DTA-based treatment exerted enhanced antitumor activity in mice bearing B16F10 xenografts and displayed prolonged survival time with minimal side effects. Hence, we described novel DTA-based therapy combined with nanotechnology and the Light-On gene-expression system: such treatment could be a promising strategy against melanoma.

Vitamin E succinate-grafted-chitosan/chitosan oligosaccharide mixed micelles loaded with C-DMSA for Hg2+ detection and detoxification in rat liver.

AIM: To determine whether the use of a mixed polymeric micelle delivery system based on vitamin E succinate (VES)-grafted-chitosan oligosaccharide (CSO)/VES-grafted-chitosan (CS) mixed micelles (VES-g-CSO/VES-g-CS MM) enhances the delivery of C-DMSA, a theranostic fluorescent probe, for Hg2+ detection and detoxification in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Mixed micelles self-assembled from two polymers, VES-g-CSO and VES-g-CS, were used to load C-DMSA and afforded C-DMSA@VES-g-CSO/VES-g-CS MM for cell and in vivo applications. Fluorescence microscopy was used to assess C-DMSA cellular uptake and Hg2+ detection in L929 cells. C-DMSA@VES-g-CSO/VES-g-CS MM was then administered intravenously. Hg2+ detection was assessed by fluorescence microscopy in terms of bio-distribution while detoxification efficacy in Hg2+-poisoned rat models was evaluated in terms of mercury contents in blood and in liver. RESULTS: The C-DMSA loaded mixed micelles, C-DMSA@VES-g-CSO/VES-g-CS MM, significantly enhanced cellular uptake and detoxification efficacy of C-DMSA in Hg2+ pretreated human L929 cells. Evidence from the reduction of liver coefficient, mercury contents in liver and blood, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities in Hg2+ poisoned SD rats treated with the mixed micelles strongly supported that the micelles were effective for Hg2+ detoxification in vivo. Furthermore, ex vivo fluorescence imaging experiments also supported enhanced Hg2+ detection in rat liver. CONCLUSION: The mixed polymeric micelle delivery system could significantly enhance cell uptake and efficacy of a theranostic probe for Hg2+ detection and detoxification treatment in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, this nanoparticle drug delivery system could achieve targeted detection and detoxification in liver.

Combined Cancer Chemo-Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapy Based on ICG/PDA/TPZ-Loaded Nanoparticles.

Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been an attractive strategy for several cancer treatments in the clinical setting, PDT efficacy is attenuated by consumption of oxygen. To address this photodynamic issue, we adopted a phototherapy-chemotherapy combination strategy based on targeted delivery of the near-infrared photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG), photothermal conversion agent polydopamine (PDA), and tirapazamine (TPZ), a hypoxia-activated prodrug. Under laser irradiation, ICG consumption of oxygen and aggravated hypoxia in tumor sites can activate TPZ to damage DNA. In parallel, ICG produces reactive oxygen species which work in synergy with PDA to enhance phototherapeutic efficiency. Herein, hybrid CaCO3/TPGS nanoparticles delivering ICG, PDA, and TPZ (ICG-PDA-TPZ NPs) were designed for effective and safe cancer therapy. ICG-PDA-TPZ NPs showed significantly improved cellular uptake and accumulation in tumors. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ICG-PDA-TPZ NPs showed intensive photodynamic and photothermal effects in vitro and in vivo, which synergized with TPZ in subcutaneous U87 malignant glioma growth and orthotopic B16F10 tumor inhibition, with negligible side effects. Thus, ICG-PDA-TPZ NPs could be an effective strategy for improvement of PDT.

Efficient ovalbumin delivery using a novel multifunctional micellar platform for targeted melanoma immunotherapy.

Cancer immunotherapy is considered to be one of the alternatives to traditional chemotherapy. It's known that foreign antigen, such as ovalbumin (OVA), can label tumor cells, leading to neoantigen recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Herein, a novel multifunctional micelle coated with PEGylated hyaluronic acid (HA) was prepared through self-assembly and electrostatic interaction. The OVA-loaded micelle with uniform size (132.1 ±â€¯0.2 nm in diameter) exhibited favorable stability and sustained release profiles. The HA-coated micelle could target CD44-overexpressed cells and enhance the cellular uptake of OVA by 11.9 fold compared to free OVA. In vitro studies revealed that the cationic polymer, polyethyleneimine, could facilitate endosomal escape of OVA to label a tumor cell. After treatment with the OVA-loaded micelle, tumor growth in mice was significantly inhibited by 70% compared to the group treated with free OVA. All these results suggest the potential application of the immunotherapeutic micellar platform for melanoma treatment.

Combination of doxorubicin liposomes with left atrial appendage radiofrequency catheter ablation to reduce post-ablation recovery of electrical conduction.

AIMS: To determine whether use of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) combined with intravenously administered liposomal doxorubicin (L-DOX) facilitates a reduction in the recovery of post-ablation electrical conduction. METHODS: Circumferential ablation was performed on the epicardial surface of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in New Zealand White rabbits, and L-DOX was then administered intravenously. Fluorescence spectrophotometry was used to assess reagent bio-distribution, while Western blots and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the localization of the apoptotic markers Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved CASP3 in the LAA. Liver, kidney, and cardiac functions were also measured to evaluate the safety of this approach. RESULTS: At 1 week and 1 month after RFCA, a pacing electrocardiogram could not be detected in most of the rabbits that had received the combined RFCA and L-DOX therapy. L-DOX began to target the LAA on the second day after RFCA. L-DOX treatment increased the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in the regions peripheral to the necrotic area induced by RFCA. Doxorubicin had some effect on liver and kidney function, but these effects were reversible and did not affect survival. CONCLUSION: The present results provide evidence that L-DOX treatment can reduce the recovery of electrical conduction after RFCA therapy owing to L-DOX-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in the ablated area and the proximal transition zone of the LAA.