Charomers-Interleukin-6 Receptor Specific Aptamers for Cellular Internalization and Targeted Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is crucial for inflammation and immune responses.
• IL-6 plays a role in diseases like autoimmune disorders, multiple myeloma, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Targeting the human IL-6 receptor (hIL-6R) presents a strategy for disease intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To select and characterize DNA and RNA aptamers that bind specifically to hIL-6R.
• To develop aptamers as vehicles for targeted drug delivery into cells.
• To explore aptamers for targeted photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Selection and characterization of DNA and RNA aptamers against hIL-6R.
• Construction of aptamers conjugated with chlorin e6 for photodynamic therapy.
• Synthesis of aptamers incorporating 5-Fluoro-2'-deoxy-uridine for chemotherapy.
• Selection of α6β4 integrin-specific DNA aptamer IDA for cellular internalization.

Main Results:

• Successfully selected and characterized IL-6R-specific aptamers.
• Developed aptamer-based drug delivery systems for targeted photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy.
• Demonstrated cellular internalization of aptamers, including the α6β4 integrin-specific aptamer IDA.
• Introduced the concept of 'charomers' for targeted cellular delivery.

Conclusions:

• IL-6R-specific aptamers can function as effective vehicles for targeted drug delivery.
• These aptamers offer a novel approach for treating IL-6-dependent diseases.
• Charomers represent a promising platform for targeted therapeutic applications.