Dual complementary liposomes inhibit triple-negative breast tumor progression and metastasis

Sci Adv. 2019 Mar 20;5(3):eaav5010. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aav5010. eCollection 2019 Mar.

Abstract

Distinguishing malignant cells from non-neoplastic ones is a major challenge in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment. Here, we developed a complementary targeting strategy that uses precisely matched, multivalent ligand-receptor interactions to recognize and target TNBC tumors at the primary site and metastatic lesions. We screened a panel of cancer cell surface markers and identified intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) as optimal candidates for TNBC complementary targeting. We engineered a dual complementary liposome (DCL) that precisely complements the molecular ratio and organization of ICAM1 and EGFR specific to TNBC cell surfaces. Our in vitro mechanistic studies demonstrated that DCLs, compared to single-targeting liposomes, exhibited increased binding, enhanced internalization, and decreased receptor signaling. DCLs consistently exhibited substantially increased tumor targeting activity and antitumor efficacy in orthotopic and lung metastasis models, indicating that DCLs are a platform technology for the design of personalized nanomedicines for TNBC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Disease Progression
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / drug effects
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / genetics*
  • Liposomes / metabolism
  • Liposomes / pharmacology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Mice
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Signal Transduction
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • ICAM1 protein, human
  • Liposomes
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors