Interleukin-6 receptor specific RNA aptamers for cargo delivery into target cells

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Aptamers are emerging as versatile tools for intracellular delivery of various cargo molecules.
• Cell surface receptors, like the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), are key targets for specific cellular uptake mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize high-affinity RNA aptamers for the human IL-6 receptor.
• To investigate the aptamers' ability to facilitate cargo delivery into IL-6R-expressing cells without interfering with natural ligand binding.

Main Methods:

• In vitro selection (SELEX) was employed to identify RNA aptamers with high affinity and specificity for IL-6R.
• Aptamer optimization was performed to create a shortened, functional oligonucleotide.
• Cellular uptake studies were conducted using IL-6R-presenting cells and fluorescently labeled cargo.

Main Results:

• RNA aptamers with high affinity (Kd = 20 nM) and specificity for human IL-6R were successfully selected.
• The aptamers facilitated rapid internalization into IL-6R-expressing cells.
• The aptamers successfully delivered bulky cargo, such as streptavidin, into target cells.
• Aptamer-mediated uptake did not impede the interaction between IL-6R and its natural ligands (IL-6 and gp130).

Conclusions:

• Shortened RNA aptamers can effectively target and be internalized via the IL-6 receptor.
• These aptamers serve as efficient vehicles for delivering cargo molecules into specific cell populations.
• This technology holds promise for targeted drug delivery to diseased cells and tissues.