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Bacteriophage MS2 As a Tool for Targeted Delivery in Solid Tumor Chemotherapy
E F Kolesanova1, M V Melnikova1, T N Bolshakova2
1Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Str. 10, bld. 8, Moscow, 119121, Russia.
Acta Naturae
|August 16, 2019
Summary
This study demonstrates bacteriophage MS2, modified with iRGD peptide and loaded with thallium (Tl+), effectively targets and destroys breast cancer cells and tumors. This novel approach shows promise for targeted cancer therapy with minimal toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Targeted drug delivery remains a challenge in cancer therapy.
- Bacteriophages offer a potential platform for drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and targeting capabilities.
- Integrin-binding peptides can facilitate targeted delivery to tumor neovasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a targeted delivery system for an apoptosis-inducing agent using bacteriophage MS2.
- To evaluate the efficacy of peptide-modified, thallium-loaded bacteriophage MS2 in treating breast cancer models.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriophage MS2 was conjugated with iRGD peptide.
- Thallium ions (Tl+) were loaded into the MS2 phage particles.
- The efficacy of the modified phage was tested on human breast cancer cell lines and tumor xenografts in mice.
Main Results:
- Peptide-modified, Tl+-loaded MS2 induced cell death in breast cancer cells.
- This preparation caused necrosis in tumor xenografts in mice.
- The targeted delivery system showed no acute toxicity at therapeutic doses.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophage MS2, functionalized with iRGD peptide and loaded with Tl+, is an effective targeted cancer therapy agent.
- This system demonstrates potential for selective tumor cell killing and necrosis induction.
- The approach shows promise for developing novel, low-toxicity cancer treatments.
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