A blood-brain barrier- and blood-brain tumor barrier-penetrating siRNA delivery system targeting gliomas for brain tumor immunotherapy

J Control Release. 2024 May:369:642-657. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.006. Epub 2024 Apr 11.

Abstract

Glioma is recognized as the most infiltrative and lethal form of central nervous system tumors and is known for its limited response to standard therapeutic interventions, high recurrence rate, and unfavorable prognosis. Recent progress in gene and immunotherapy presents a renewed sense of optimism in the treatment of glioblastoma. However, the barriers to overcome include the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB), as well as the suppressive immune microenvironment. Overcoming these barriers remains a significant challenge. Here, we developed a lipid nanoparticle platform incorporating a dual-functional peptide (cholesterol-DP7-ACP-T7-modified DOTAP or DAT-LNP) capable of targeting glioma across the BBB and BBTB for brain tumor immunotherapy. This system was designed to achieve two key functions. First, the system could effectively penetrate the BBB during accumulation within brain tissue following intravenous administration. Second, this system enhances the maturation of dendritic cells, the polarization of M1 macrophages, and the activation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. This multifaceted approach effectively mitigates the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of glioma and promotes robust antitumor immune responses. Overall, the intravenous administration of the delivery system designed in this study demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for glioma and holds promising applications in the field of cancer immunotherapy.

Keywords: Blood–brain barrier; Cholesterol-DP7-ACP-T7; Glioma; Tumor microenvironment.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood-Brain Barrier* / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Brain Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cholesterol / administration & dosage
  • Cholesterol / chemistry
  • Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated
  • Glioma* / immunology
  • Glioma* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy* / methods
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Nanoparticles* / administration & dosage
  • Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • RNA, Small Interfering* / administration & dosage
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • 1,2-dioleoyloxy-3-(trimethylammonium)propane
  • Cholesterol
  • Lipids
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated