Abstract
Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) can modify the tumor microenvironment to create a pro-tumor niche. Manipulation of the TAM phenotype is a novel, potential therapeutic approach to engage anti-cancer immunity. siRNA is a molecular tool for knockdown of specific mRNAs that is tunable in both strength and duration. The use of siRNA to reprogram TAMs to adopt an immunogenic, anti-tumor phenotype is an attractive alternative to ablation of this cell population. One current difficulty with this approach is that TAMs are difficult to specifically target and transfect. We report here successful utilization of novel mannosylated polymer nanoparticles (MnNP) that are capable of escaping the endosomal compartment to deliver siRNA to TAMs in vitro and in vivo. Transfection with MnNP-siRNA complexes did not significantly decrease TAM cell membrane integrity in culture, nor did it create adverse kidney or liver function in mice, even at repeated doses of 5 mg kg(-1). Furthermore, MnNP effectively delivers labeled nucleotides to TAMs in mice with primary mammary tumors. We also confirmed TAM targeting in the solid tumors disseminated throughout the peritoneum of ovarian tumor bearing mice following injection of fluorescently labeled MnNP-nucleotide complexes into the peritoneum. Finally, we show enhanced uptake of MnNP in lung metastasis associated macrophages compared to untargeted particles when using an intubation delivery method. In summary, we have shown that MnNP specifically and effectively deliver siRNA to TAMs in vivo.
Highlights
The tumor supportive stroma has been identified as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in solid tumors
We report here successful utilization of novel mannosylated polymer nanoparticles (MnNP) that are capable of escaping the endosomal compartment to deliver siRNA to Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) in vitro and in vivo
508 | Nanoscale, 2015, 7, 500–510. These studies demonstrate the biocompatibility of MnNP both in vitro and in vivo, and provide evidence for enhanced TAMtargeting generated through the use of mannose as a targeting ligand on the particle surfaces
Summary
The tumor supportive stroma has been identified as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in solid tumors. While most tumors exhibit a large degree of cellular heterogeneity, the tumor stroma is potentially more homogenous with respect to local stromal cell phenotype.[1] Macrophages, for example, play an important trophic role in tissue development and a growing body of evidence suggests that these trophic roles are recapitulated in the tumor microenvironment.[2] Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are directly involved in establishing a pro-tumorigenic local microenvironment in many tumor types. TAMs stimulate angiogenesis, promote tumor growth and metastasis, and suppress the normal immune response.[3,4] Concordantly, an increase in TAMs at the site of tumor progression is predictive of poor prognosis and survival in mouse models of human breast cancer and in multiple human cancers.[5,6]
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