CuS@BSA-NB2 Nanoparticles for HER2-Targeted Photothermal Therapy
Ming Ying1, Qin Li1, Jingbo Wu1
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Disease Prevention, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Ecology/Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of breast epithelial cells under the action of a variety of carcinogens. Although HER2-inhibitors were currently applied for HER2-positive breast cancer patients, they didn't work for patients with resistance to HER2-targeted anti-cancer drugs. In this work, we prepared novel CuS@BSA-NB2 nanoparticles (NPs) for breast cancer photothermal therapy (PTT). The NPs had good biocompatibility due to the Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) encapsulating and excellent targeting to HER2 because of nanobody 2 (NB2). Under 808 nm laser irradiation, CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs had high photothermal conversion efficiency and photothermal stability. Meanwhile, we constructed a stable cell line of MDA-MB-231/HER2 with a high expression of HER2 protein. Immunofluorescence and ICP-MS assays showed that CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs can be specifically enriched and be ingested in MDA-MB-231/HER2 cells. Furthermore, CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs had shown a more significant photothermal treatment effect than CuS@BSA under certain treatment conditions for MDA-MB-231/HER2. In addition, the cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs had a low toxicity for MDA-MB-231/HER2 cells. The above results suggested that CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs were great photothermal therapeutic agents to reduce the malignant proliferation of breast epithelial cells and have potential for breast cancer therapy.
Insights
Novel nanoparticles (CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs) show promise for breast cancer photothermal therapy (PTT). These nanoparticles target HER2-positive cells, offering a potential new treatment for drug-resistant breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Breast cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation.
- HER2-inhibitors are used for HER2-positive breast cancer but face resistance issues.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed for drug-resistant breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and evaluate novel Copper Sulfide@Bovine Serum Albumin-nanobody 2 (CuS@BSA-NB2) nanoparticles for breast cancer photothermal therapy (PTT).
- To assess the efficacy and safety of CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs in targeting and treating HER2-positive breast cancer cells, particularly those resistant to existing therapies.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of CuS@BSA-NB2 nanoparticles.
- Construction of a HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231/HER2).
- In vitro evaluation of nanoparticle targeting, cellular uptake (immunofluorescence, ICP-MS), photothermal effect, and cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs demonstrated good biocompatibility and specific targeting to HER2-positive cells.
- High photothermal conversion efficiency and stability were observed under laser irradiation.
- CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs showed a superior photothermal treatment effect and low toxicity in MDA-MB-231/HER2 cells compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs are effective photothermal therapeutic agents against HER2-positive breast cancer.
- These nanoparticles offer a promising approach for treating breast cancer, especially in cases of resistance to HER2-targeted drugs.
- Further research into CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs could lead to advanced breast cancer therapies.
