Selective targeting of tumor and stromal cells by a nanocarrier system displaying lipidated cathepsin B inhibitor

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cathepsin B (CtsB) is a lysosomal enzyme.
• CtsB is translocated extracellularly during cancer progression.
• Targeting CtsB is a potential cancer therapeutic strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel nanocarrier for CtsB inhibition.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the CtsB inhibitor in cancer cells.
• To validate CtsB targeting for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Development of a lipidated CtsB inhibitor.
• Incorporation into a liposomal nanocarrier (LNC-NS-629).
• Ex vivo and in vivo studies to assess targeting and internalization.

Main Results:

• LNC-NS-629 selectively targets tumor and stromal cells.
• Internalization of LNC-NS-629 by cancer-associated cells was confirmed.
• The nanocarrier demonstrated effective CtsB inhibition in preclinical models.

Conclusions:

• CtsB targeting is a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
• LNC-NS-629 shows potential for targeted cancer treatment.
• This approach may also aid in cancer diagnosis.