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Published on: December 20, 2017
Highly Versatile Polyelectrolyte Complexes for Improving the Enzyme Replacement Therapy of Lysosomal Storage
Marina I Giannotti1,2,3, Ibane Abasolo1,4, Mireia Oliva1,2,5
1Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) , 28029 Madrid, Spain.
This study introduces a novel drug delivery system using polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) for enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in lysosomal storage disorders. RGD-targeted PECs enhance enzyme uptake and efficacy, offering a promising approach for treating Fabry disease.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Enzyme Replacement Therapy
Background:
- Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) using direct administration of recombinant proteins.
- Current ERT methods face challenges with protein stability and targeted delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an RGD-targeted polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) for enhanced enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in Fabry disease.
- To assess the physicochemical properties, cellular uptake, and therapeutic efficacy of PECs containing α-galactosidase A (GLA).
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of ionically cross-linked PECs using trimethyl chitosan (TMC) and GLA.
- Incorporation of RGD peptide ligands for endothelial cell targeting.
- Evaluation of PECs' properties, cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, cellular uptake, and intracellular enzyme activity.
- Investigation of freeze-drying effects on PEC activity.
Main Results:
- RGD-targeted PECs demonstrated increased uptake by endothelial cells compared to untargeted PECs.
- The RGD moiety enhanced the intracellular activity of GLA.
- Freeze-drying preserved the activity of the therapeutic enzyme within the PECs.
- PECs exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity, and hemocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- TMC-based PECs with RGD targeting show significant potential for improving ERT in LSDs.
- This novel drug delivery system offers enhanced enzyme delivery and efficacy for Fabry disease treatment.
- The developed PECs represent a versatile and feasible platform for advanced ERT strategies.
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