Tumor-targeted PE38KDEL delivery via PEGylated anti-HER2 immunoliposomes

Int J Pharm. 2009 Jun 5;374(1-2):145-52. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2009.03.018. Epub 2009 Mar 24.

Abstract

We previously reported the development of PE38KDEL-loaded anti-HER2 poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles that bind and internalize in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells, enabling potent anti-tumor activity. To overcome the problems associated with the short half-lives of this drug delivery system, we have constructed PE38KDEL-loaded anti-HER2 PEGylated liposomes (PE-HER-liposomes). PE-HER-liposomes were constructed with Fab' of recombinant humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody (anti-HER2 Fab') covalently linked to PEGylated liposomes containing PE38KDEL (PE-liposomes). We attached anti-HER2 Fab' to the terminus of PEG (polyethylene glycol) on PEGylated liposomes. Incorporation of pyridylthiopropionoylamino-PEG-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (PDP-PEG-DSPE) into PEGylated liposomes followed by mild thiolysis of the PDP groups resulted in the formation of reactive thiol groups at the periphery of the liposomes. Efficient attachment of maleimide-derivatized anti-HER2 Fab' took place under mild conditions. The characterization of PE-HER-liposomes, such as particle size, was evaluated by dynamic light-scattering detector. The Micro BCA method was used to determine the encapsulation efficiency of PE38KDEL and the quantity of conjugated Fab'. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy showed that PE-HER-liposomes possessed receptor-specific binding and internalization for HER2-overexpressing SK-BR3 cells. Remarkably, PE-HER-liposomes were more cytotoxic than non-targeted PE-liposomes in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. In conclusion, PE-HER-liposomes could serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancers.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ADP Ribose Transferases / immunology
  • ADP Ribose Transferases / pharmacokinetics*
  • ADP Ribose Transferases / pharmacology
  • Bacterial Toxins / immunology
  • Bacterial Toxins / pharmacokinetics*
  • Bacterial Toxins / pharmacology
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / immunology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Exotoxins / immunology
  • Exotoxins / pharmacokinetics*
  • Exotoxins / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / immunology
  • Liposomes
  • Particle Size
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa Exotoxin A
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / immunology
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry
  • Virulence Factors / immunology
  • Virulence Factors / pharmacokinetics*
  • Virulence Factors / pharmacology

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Exotoxins
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
  • Liposomes
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • Virulence Factors
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • ADP Ribose Transferases
  • ERBB2 protein, human
  • Receptor, ErbB-2