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The Janus of Protein Corona on nanoparticles for tumor targeting, immunotherapy and diagnosis
1School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
Abstract:
The therapeutics based on nanoparticles (NPs) are considered as the promising strategy for tumor detection and treatment. However, one of the most challenges is the adsorption of biomolecules on NPs after their exposition to biological medium, leading unpredictable in vivo behaviors. The interactions caused by protein corona (PC) will influence the biological fate of NPs in either negative or positive ways, including (i) blood circulation, accumulation and penetration of NPs at targeting sites, and further cellular uptake in tumor targeting delivery; (ii) interactions between NPs and receptors on immune cells for immunotherapy. Besides, PC on NPs could be utilized as new biomarker in tumor diagnosis by identifying the minor change of protein concentration led by tumor growth and invasion in blood. Herein, the mechanisms of these PC-mediated effects will be introduced. Moreover, the recent advances about the strategies will be reviewed to reduce negative effects caused by PC and/or utilize positive effects of PC on tumor targeting, immunotherapy and diagnosis, aiming to provide a reasonable perspective to recognize PC with their applications.
Insights
Nanoparticle (NP) therapeutics face challenges from protein corona (PC) formation, which alters their behavior in vivo. Strategies are reviewed to manage PC effects for improved tumor targeting, immunotherapy, and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NPs) show promise for tumor detection and treatment.
- Protein corona (PC) formation on NPs in biological media leads to unpredictable in vivo behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce PC-mediated effects on NP behavior.
- To review strategies for managing PC in nanomedicine.
- To provide a perspective on PC applications in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on protein corona formation and its impact on nanoparticles.
- Analysis of strategies to mitigate negative PC effects and leverage positive effects.
- Exploration of PC's role in tumor targeting, immunotherapy, and diagnosis.
Main Results:
- PC significantly influences NP biodistribution, cellular uptake, and immune interactions.
- PC can be a biomarker for early tumor detection.
- Strategies exist to control PC and enhance NP therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and managing protein corona is crucial for advancing nanoparticle-based cancer therapies.
- Protein corona presents opportunities for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
- Further research into PC modulation can optimize nanomedicine applications.
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